National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April and California Arbor Day is March 7-14. The idea for Arbor Day was originally conceived by a pioneer to the state of Nebraska who was from Detroit. The Nebraska plains were treeless and J. Sterling Morton and his wife, lovers of nature, quickly began to plant trees and shrubs. Eventually, Mr. Morton proposed a formal holiday be celebrated called Arbor Day.

Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in nationally and separately by many US States and many foreign countries. Arbor Day is a time to celebrate nature.  Arbor Day is more important than ever and I encourage everybody to get involved in some small way. Every effort counts! We need the beauty of plants and trees around us as well as their life giving, cleansing contribution to our environment.

We hope you will celebrate Arbor Day in a personal way by planting a tree or shrub. It is an act of optimism and kindness, a labor of love and a commitment to stewardship. Teach your children how to plant seeds. Get involved in a civic garden or dedicate a tree in a community park. Call the recreation and parks department at 805-925-0951 and ask them how you can get involved in tree plantings.

Santa Maria, celebrating 25 years as a Tree City.