The growing dependency of man upon forest resources for raw materials,
products, watershed protection, conservation of certain wildlife and
recreation gives added significance to Arbor Day which is set aside
annually to pay tribute to trees.
Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872. It was first celebrated in
Texas in 1889 on George Washington’s birthday, February 22. In 1949, the
Texas State Legislature adopted the following resolution:
_Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas, the
Senate concurring, That the third Friday in January of each year be
designated as “Arbor Day”, to be devoted to the planting and
cultivation of forest, shade and ornamental trees throughout the State
and to be observed for that purpose in such manner as may seem best to
the people of each community; and be it further_
_Resolved, That the Governor of Texas be requested to issue an
appropriate proclamation annually to encourage the proper observance
of such “Arbor Day”._
Arbor Day can best be celebrated by planting one or more suitable trees
around a school or club area or by establishing a school plantation. In
addition to paying tribute to the beauty of trees, one can call
attention to the importance of trees to man’s welfare. The Texas Forest
Service continues to assist clubs and schools in organizing Arbor Day
programs.