Each year on the last Friday in April, hundreds of people plant trees in observance of Arbor Day. Planting trees is a tangible way for kids to become Plant Heroes! Here are 5 activities to help you celebrate Arbor Day with the kids in your life.
1. Plant A Tree
The Arbor Day Foundation is your resource hub for everything you need to know about planting trees! You can order trees directly from their online tree nursery. Another great place to purchase trees is from your local botanical garden or conservation district. Most botanical gardens and conservation districts host plant sales. The money raised from the sales supports conservation work in your local area. Not sure about what type of tree to plant? We encourage you to plant trees native to your area that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s website also features educational guides and videos to assist you in choosing the right tree for your location, suggestions for where to plant it, and instructions for planting trees properly, so they thrive.
Video Break: Planting Trees
2. Celebrate Arbor Day At Your Local Arboretum Or Park
3. Print Our Free Tree Symmetry Journal
This is a great activity for kids to learn about symmetry in nature and three iconic North American trees. This journal is available in English, Spanish and simplified Chinese. Prepare a picnic and dine al fresco underneath your favorite tree. After your meal, invite the kids to journal, identify the trees around them, and read some tree stories together.
4. Learn To Identify Your Local Trees
Did you know that there are more than 950 types of native trees in the U.S.? Use these online field guides to identify the trees in your neighborhood.
5. Read One Of Our Favorite Storybooks About Trees
Visit your local library to check out these classic storybooks about trees.
- The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward
- Who Will Plant a Tree? by Jerry Pallotta, Illustrated by Tom Leonard
- Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola
- The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein
- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Written by: Jeanette M. Henderson, Plant Protection Program Coordinator
