Friday, April 3, 2015

Toothache Tree?

It is recorded that Native Americans chewed on or made a tea from the Willow's leaves and bark to relieve fevers, headaches, arthritis and toothache.  Because of this the Willow is sometimes referred to as the Toothache Tree.



Image Citation: Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulurist, Bugwood.org

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

What is Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation?

Arbor day was founded in 1872 by J sterling Morton of Nebraska City, Nebraska, to help draw attention to the need to care for, plant and protect our nations trees.  By the 1920's, each state in the USA had adopted their own laws that stipulated that the holiday be celebrated on a certain day each year.  Some states adopted the designation for just Arbor day and others combined Bird and Arbor day.  The first Arbor day was held on April 10th, 1872 and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day.  The National Holiday of Arbor Day is now celebrated on the last Friday in April each year. 


The Arbor Day Foundation is a Non profit conservation and education organization.  It was begun in 1972 (marking the 100 year anniversary of Arbor Day).  With over a million members and partners worldwide, they sponsor numerous events and programs to help raise funds and awareness about the importance of the trees around us.  They are responsible for the planting of over 10 Million trees per year. They work directly with the US Forest service to restore and replant our state forests.  They have helped save over 48,000 acres of rainforest from development and destruction.  Some of their most notable programs are Tree City USA, Rainforest Rescue, and Community Tree Recovery.  This organization is one of the strongest advocates for tree protection, education and planting in the world.   They also offer affordable tree purchasing programs and guidance on planting do's and don't's.   You can learn more about how you can join or volunteer directly on their website : www.ArborDay.org