Dayton "Dirt' April 17, 2009

Remember coming up on April 22^nd is Earth Day that has been celebrated every year since the first one in 1970.

Arbor Day has been celebrated nationally since the 1880's but was actually founded by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska. Mr. Morton was originally from Detroit and wanted the treeless prairie in Nebraska to have trees like his native state of Michigan.

Soon tree planting celebrations were common all over the state with the last Friday in April being recognized nationally as Arbor Day.

This year just like last year, I am asking what kind of a tree you’ll plant to commemorate these important dates.

Trees do matter in that they shade us, provide us with lumber and other wood related products, prevent soil erosion from wind and water, take in CO2 and give us oxygen.

Consider planting a tree that later on you, your children and possibly succeeding generations can enjoy the shade under the branches of the great tree.

The old house at the nursery was built in 1870 and I have a photograph of the original owners, the Wertman’s, from about 1890 standing in front of the house with their grandson Fred Harris. In the photograph is about a 10 foot maple tree on the south side of the house. That little maple is now about 80 feet tall and still shades the south side of the house to keep it cool in summer!

Tell us how your going to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day! Click here

Oh, I almost forgot, you’re all invited to come see the thousands of daffodils in bloom at the nursery that we’ve planted over the years. And no, you don’t have to buy anything as I have said before, if your gazing at the flowers and anyone asks you what you’re doing, tell them it’s none of their business!

Tom