Elburn "Digs" Arbor Day

Approximately 45 Cub Scouts, parents, village employees, and village officials attended today's Arbor Day ceremony at Prairie Park. The first Arbor Day was held in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. On Arbor Day, 1872 over one million trees were planted in Nebraska on a single day.

This year is the 133rd anniversary of Arbor Day now observed throughout America and the world. Holding an Arbor Day ceremony is a requirement for Elburn's Tree City USA application, and this year will be our 7th consecutive year of participation with that program.

The planting of trees convey many benefits to our commuities. Trees reduce erosion, cut heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide a habitat for wildlife. Trees also are a renewable resource giving us wood for construction, fuel for our fires, paper for us to use, and their natural beauty for all to enjoy. And, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of spiritual renewal and happiness.

I have always remarked that our village looks more like a forest preserve than a town when observed from a small private airplane or helicopter. Let's continue to work together to preserve our community forest.