Arbor Day in America began in the early 1870s when a journalist, J. Sterling Morgan, and his wife moved to Nebraska and began planting a variety of trees and shrubs in what was primarily a flat stretch of desolate plain.
As the editor of the local newspaper and a member of the Nebraska Board of Agriculture, he was able to encourage others and the state legislature about the importance and benefits of tree planting. Thus, in 1872 the first Arbor Day was celebrated and in 1885 it became an official state holiday! By the 1920s, each state in the United States had passed public laws that stipulated a certain day to be Arbor Day.
Today it is widely recognized that trees clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, connect communities and support our health and well-being. The Rotary Club of Boerne (Noontime) has for the last 5 years partnered with the city of Boerne and with Burkett Arbor Care to plant trees around Boerne. During that time over 150 trees have found a home in this community thanks to a dedicated group of Rotarians. This year’s planting was made even “sweeter” by one of Boerne's newest members of the community – Bakery Lorraine. Thanks to their commitment to being good neighbors, coffee and bakery products were provided to all who worked in making Arbor Day the success that it was.