The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, by planting a tree and learning about their value.
Arbor Day, an annual observance promoting tree planting and care, has been celebrated in Wisconsin on the last Friday of April since 1883. Arbor Day also marks the end of Forest Appreciation Week, which began on Earth Day and is a time to reflect on the importance of rural and urban forests.
The 17 million acres of forests covering nearly half of Wisconsin and the millions of urban trees across the state safeguard water resources, provide wildlife habitat and support our forest industry while providing outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting human health and mitigating impacts of the changing climate.
Urban forests, which include trees in urban parks, landscaped boulevards, greenways, yard trees and street trees, also have their own unique benefits.
“Urban forests filter air and water, control storm water, conserve energy and provide shade, cooling our communities by up to 10 degrees and helping prevent heat-related deaths. They also add beauty to our urban environments, reduce noise and provide nearby places to recreate,” said Jeff Roe, DNR Urban Forestry team leader. “Research has shown that neighborhood trees reduce stress, improve health and development in children and encourage physical activity.”
Urban trees also increase property values and create inviting business districts for residents and visitors.
Tree planting and forest stewardship are key to ensuring that Wisconsin continues to have healthy, sustainable forests that support stronger, more resilient communities.
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