Under the Arbor

They give us shade on a hot summer day. They provide food and shelter for a vast community of animals. They filter the air and moderate the effects of environmental toxins. These silent leafy guardians are near us every day, and yet we quite often ignore them; we don't celebrate their beauty or learn from their steadfast presence. So today, on Arbor Day, we pay tribute to trees.

 Wonder Tree - Original Mixed Media

by Sixsisters

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and tree care. The first Arbor Day took place in Nebraska in 1872; it was the idea of J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and pioneer who came from Detroit to the then treeless plains of Nebraska in 1854. Morton and his wife, both nature lovers, quickly planted trees, shrubs and flowers at their new home. Like other homesteaders, he missed the trees of his former landscape, but he also recognized that trees were important as windbreaks to prevent soil loss, as well as for fuel, shade, and building materials. Morton used his position as a journalist, and later, as secretary of the Nebraska Territory, to advocate for trees and tree planting.

"On January 4, 1872, Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called 'Arbor Day' at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. The date was set for April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to counties and individuals for planting the largest number of trees on that day. It was estimated that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Arbor Day was officially proclaimed by the young state's Gov. Robert W. Furnas on March 12, 1874, and the day itself was observed April 10, 1874. In 1885, Arbor Day was named a legal holiday in Nebraska and April 22, Morton's birthday, was selected as the date for its permanent observance." (http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/urban/history_of_arbor_day.htm) The most common day for observing Arbor Day today is the last Friday in April.

In 1972, on the 100 year anniversary of the first Arbor Day, the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation was established to promote education about and conservation of trees. For more information about Arbor Day and to learn more about trees - their identification, protection, planting and care, visit the Foundation's website, http://www.arborday.org.

In celebration of the wonderful tree, let's read Ilan Shamir's insightful poem, Advice from a Tree, while we see how BBEST team artisans illustrate the beauty of our leafy friends.

Advice from a Tree

by Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,

Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

 

Fall Forest Original Watercolor Painting

from pfd Original Artworks

Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings

 

Fused Glass Tree of Life Pendant

from Designs by Christine

Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring

 

Birches - Original Watercolor Painting

by Yankeegirl 

The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

  

Autumn Enchantment Original Watercolor Painting

by The Creators Palette

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.

 

Full Moon Across the River Painting

by Heron Kate

Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

 Matte Silver Tree of Life Necklace

by PixieMarket 

Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

Handmade Ceramic Heart Box with Tree

by Jill's Treasure Chest

For more about Ilan Shamir and his nature advice, tree-planting greetings, and nature-inspired journals and cards, please visit http://www.yourtruenature.com