What is Arbor Day?

Most people have heard of Arbor Day, but what does this international celebration really mean? 

As we define the importance of trees in our lives, we realize our connection to plants is paramount.  Our planet would not exist the way we know it without one word, photosynthesis.  Through the process of photosynthesis, food is provided for us in the form of cereal, fruit, berries, vegetables, and even hamburger!  What do cows feed on?  Grass!  Also, photosynthesis recycles oxygen for us to breathe.  One mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year which releases enough oxygen to support two human beings, according to a study conducted in Manchester, Connecticut. 

Planting trees in our landscapes cools our houses and blocks the wind.  We may realize up to 58 percent in energy savings.  Help Douglas County grow by planting a tree on Arbor Day."

If you can’t attend an Arbor Day celebration, but would still like to take part, you may send an Arbor Day contribution to:

Douglas County Arbor Day Committee
Attention Emily Coll
CSU Extension Douglas County
410 Fairgrounds Rd.
Castle Rock, CO  80104. 

Please indicate to which community you would like your donation dedicated. Funds will be used to purchase additional plant material for the community you selected.

Additional Links

• Colorado State Forest Service
• Douglas County Conservation District
• Highlands Ranch
• Town of Parker
• City of Lone Tree
• Town of Castle Rock

Arbor Day 2008 Summary

Lee Gulch/Upper Ridgewood planting

Forty trees and ten shrubs were sold for $2,300. Many trees were purchased through the Colorado Tree Coalition’s Trees Across Colorado program. Weather conditions caused a cancellation for the Littleton Service Club volunteers. Eight Littleton staff assisted 12 Forestry/Horticulture staff and one volunteer (Brian Keeley) to complete the project in approximately five hours.

Lone Tree Tree Sale, Storytime at the Library and Taos Open Space Planting

One hundred forty-four trees were sold to Lone Tree residents; six staff assisted with tree distribution. Two trees were planted behind the library ($620) to replace a large Russian olive removed a couple weeks ago. Two staff and two volunteers distributed tree educational materials, read stories and answered questions for two-and-a-half hours at the Lone Tree Library. Eighteen volunteers helped eight staff plant 31 trees and 15 shrubs ($ 3,400) at the Taos Open Space to replace the 92 Russian olive trees removed prior to the project.

Elementary School Arbor Day presentations

From April 14–21, staff and Smokey Bear visited with more than 1,100 students about Arbor Day, community forestry and proper tree planting. Each student and teacher received a tree seedling to plant in honor of Arbor Day and an invitation to ArborFest at Gallup Gardens on April 26. Many favorable comments and wonderful pictures were mailed to the Forestry/Horticulture office thanking folks for coming to the schools.

Gallup Gardens ArborFest

More than 100 guests joined the forestry staff on a blustery, morning to celebrate Arbor Day with a kids' tree climb, rope throw, hopscotch, and tree walk at Gallup Gardens. Educational displays and handouts for parents, face painting and piñatas for kids and free prize drawings and good tree times were had by all. Snow and wind shortened the event and likely reduced turnout, but this was an entertaining and successful culmination of Arbor month for South Suburban Parks and Recreation.