Planning an Arbor Day Ceremony

An Arbor Day ceremony, be it simple and brief or an elaborate all-day observation, can be a delight to children and adults alike. It is especially meaningful to children if they have discussed the history of Arbor Day and have learned how to plant and care for trees before the ceremony is held.

A basic Arbor Day ceremony might include:

1. Greetings by a school principal or civic leader.
2. Reading a brief Arbor Day history.
3. Singing songs, reading poems about trees and tree planting, and honoring the community's Arbor Day National Poster Contest Winner (see Poster Contest).
4. Planting a tree together. Children might add a handful of soil brought from home to cover the roots. A small bottle holding the planters' handwritten names could also be placed by the roots.
5. Upon completion of the planting, demonstrate how to properly water and care for the new tree.

Children and adults can collaborate in an Arbor Day Play, where the statue of J. Sterling Morton comes to life to tell the children how he “authored” this national holiday.

If resources allow, it is very memorable to distribute tree seedlings with planting and care instructions.

Get your free copyof “Celebrate Arbor Day!” now

For lots of ideas about how to observe and celebrate Arbor Day in your community, order our free “Celebrate Arbor Day!” booklet online.

Or, send your name and address and the words “Celebrate Arbor Day! Booklet” to:

The Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410