Home   Government   Commissions   Beautification Commission   Arbor Day

Arbor Day is locally celebrated the last Friday of April

Arbor Day originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day.

Many countries now observe a similar holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.

Birdsey Northrop of Connecticut was responsible for globalizing it when he visited Japan in 1883 and delivered his Arbor Day and Village Improvement message. In that same year, the American Forestry Association made Northrup the Chairman of the committee to campaign for Arbor Day nationwide. He also brought his enthusiasm for Arbor Day to Australia, Canada and Europe. 

Trees are nature’s oldest and largest living things. As a city that values trees and a Tree City USA member, Grosse Pointe Park celebrates Arbor Week. In the State of Michigan, we celebrate Arbor Day on the last Friday in April. Locally we celebrate the last full week of April.