Save A Tree
Teach the Meaning of Arbor Day

by Jan Bergman Skokie Park District

Jack Cooper, Skokie Park District, explains the actual planting of the tree.

During the past year, over 2100 Skokie Park District children have watched trees they planted on Arbor Day 1974 grow to spread shade over their playgrounds in summer, turn the golden hues of fall, bare the snows of winter, and break the winter winds.

To promote the annual holiday of Arbor Day, Park District pre-school children and third grade students from the community's elementary schools planted trees on their school and park playgrounds.

Arbor Day celebrations were initiated and conducted by Park District staff and coordinated with school administrators. Working together, an Arbor Day schedule, which included fifteen (15) presentations, was arranged. District staff and school administrators decided where the Arbor tree would be planted and what type of tree would be best suited for the site locations. Norway Maples, Green Ash, and Sunburst Locust were trees that were chosen.

The value of trees in the environment and the care that should be shown to trees is discussed in the Arbor Day ceremony.

Each Arbor Day program began with a brief history of Arbor Day since its founding 102 years ago by the J. Morton Sterling family. The children were reminded that the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois is an outstanding place for families to visit trees and plant foliage. Following the history, students were introduced to the tree by its proper or scientific and common or "nick" name. Students were told that all trees are their "buddies," providing many useful services and like "buddies" we don't want to break their arms or hurt their limbs.

The value of trees in our community and in our environment, was stressed. Proper tree care and maintenance was also discussed.

To further exhibit proper tree care, four pieces of maintenance equipment used by Skokie Park District were demonstrated. An aerial boom truck used to trim trees, a John Bean Roto Sprayer

Illinois Parks and Recreation 4 March/April, 1975

The school children assisted in the planting.

used to combat Dutch Elm disease and also used for general tree spraying, a boom sprayer for soil fertilization, and a tractor mounted auger for digging a hole to plant the tree were actually demonstrated by the Park Maintenance staff.

The highlight of each program was the planting of the chosen Arbor Day tree. At many programs the tree was planted with the assistance of Scout troops, student council members or class presidents.

To conclude each program, students were given a take-home packet provided by the Department of Conservation, including information on tree care and general conservation.

Skokie Park District believes that all Arbor Day programs are educational, fun, rewarding and invaluable for future generations.

Arbor Day in Illinois is the last Friday of every April. Now is the time to plan for Arbor Day 1975. Can you think of a better way to save a tree?

Illinois Parks and Recreation 5 March/April, 1975