People and Plants- Partners in Living... April 30, 1971

Help Promote Arbor Day

Through the Community Relations Committee of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, chaired by Robert S. Nichols of Bensenville, the Association is making an effort to promote Arbor Day.

The committee has already made contacts in the metropolitan area with the Chicago Park District and local nurseries, seeking their support and cooperation for suggestions that might be implemented throughout the state.

Arbor Day is observed throughout the nation and Canada annually for the purpose of planting trees. School children play a major role in the support of Arbor Day by planting trees and attracting national attention to this important need.

Arbor Day is celebrated at different times, depending upon what part of the country you live in. This year Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 30 in Illinois.

The Community Relations Committee has suggested several ways for local departments to promote Arbor Day. The following are a few suggestions:

1. The simple planting of a tree at a school, village hall, community center, or community park, along with a simple ceremony.

2. The complete planting of a newly completed civic building or park.

3. The row planting of a local street, railway, right of way, utility easement, or parkway.

4. The creation of a tree nursery that would provide for annual seedling plantings, and after a suitable period, harvesting of mature trees for community planting.

5. The giving away or selling at cost seedlings to grade school children as a part of an educational program.

6. A pruning, cleanup, and feeding of existing mature trees, shrubs, and evergreens.

7. A planting of special (flower and plant) community gardens. A key purpose of such a program would be to provide another educational experience for youth and grade school age children.

Most local nurseries and garden centers will give advice and support if requested.

The State Association Committee is planning coverage at the state level by major State officials. But this should not discourage the local use of all available media such as newspapers, radio and television.

Since this is the first attempt for the committee to promote a statewide project, local districts are being requested to make copies of their program and forward it to the IAPD headquarters in Springfield. This will be of considerable help to the committee in planning their 1972 program.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Robert S. Nichols, Commissioner, Bensenville Park District, 161 North Church Road, Bensenville, Illinois 60106. Telephone: (312) 766-7015.

Will your district be a part of this program ?

Illinois Parks and Recreation 17 March/April, 1971