Healthy green trees in a forest of old spruce, fir and pine trees in wilderness of a national park. Sustainable industry, ecosystem and healthy environment concepts and background.

On April 25, communities throughout Illinois celebrate an American tradition dating back to 1887: Arbor Day.

Arbor Day is a holiday that encourages people to plant trees. Planting a tree represents the belief that the tree will provide our community with cleaner air, a habitat for wildlife, and natural beauty. Illinois’ first Arbor Day was held in 1887, but not until 1949 did the state legislature legally declare the last Friday in April as “Arbor and Bird Day.” The purpose of the legislation was to plant trees, shrubs and vines about homes, along the highways and on public grounds to show the value of trees and birds and the necessity of their protection, thus contributing to the comforts and attractions of the state of Illinois.

The official website for Arbor Day, The National Arbor Day Foundation, includes information on tree varieties and facts, Arbor Day facts and information, programs and how-you-can-help information, current events, and multiple resource links.  A highlight of the site is the Tree Guide.

Prior planning is critical to a long-term, sustainable tree planting project. Most important is matching the species to site. Know the site characteristics before deciding on what tree species to plant. You can learn more on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources tree planting resources page or by watching watch the educational video “How to Plant a Tree.”

Communities all throughout Illinois host annual Arbor Day celebrations. The village of River Forest has been a Tree City USA community since 1998. The National Arbor Day Foundation has named River Forest a Tree City USA community based on the following standards: having a forestry division, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. The Bloomington Normal Arbor Day Affiliates is a partnership between five groups, including Illinois State University and Heartland Community College, who have received recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation. Each year the village of Montgomery dedicates a new native Illinois tree species to the Arboretum Garden area in front of their police department.