National Arbor Day Foundation
| Location | Nebraska, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1972 |
| Current CEO | Matt Harris |
| Number of Members | Approximately 1,000,000 |
| Trees Distributed to Members | Approximately 7,000,000 per year |
| Trees Planted in America's Forests | Approximately 5,000,000 per year |
| Number of Tree City USA's | 3,409 |
| Number of Tree Campuses | 237 |
| Number of Certified Nature Explore Classrooms | 217 |
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation and education organization founded in 1972 in Nebraska, United States, by John Rosenow. It is the largest membership organization dedicated to tree planting. The Foundation's stated corporate mission is "to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees." The Foundation programs are supported by members, donors, and corporate sponsors that share the same vision of a healthier and greener world.
In 1872, J. Sterling Morton started what would become Arbor Day in Nebraska City. Nebraska. This "holiday" is meant to recognize and support the planting of trees. Morton and his wife Caroline challenged people around the country to plant trees. In 1872, on the first Arbor Day, approximately one million trees were planted in Nebraska alone. Sterling and Caroline Morton lived in Nebraska City on a 72-acre estate, which is now known as Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum.
In Nebraska City, Nebraska, the home of Arbor Day, the Arbor Day Foundation built the Lied Lodge and Conference Center, which houses a full service meeting center and 140 guest rooms" for conservation-minded organizations, members, forestry professionals, or other individuals that value the environmental operating practices offered by the facility. The property is also home to Arbor Day Farm, a National Historic Landmark and an educational visitor attraction; Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, including the Lied Greenhouse, Woodland Pavilion, the Tree House Trail, Canopy Tree House, Nature Explore Classrooms, Exploratory Trail, Nature Explore Club Cabin, and the Tree Adventure Discovery Ride. In 2014, the Arbor Day Foundation took over management of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The Tree City USA program, which is co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service, has grown to include more than 3,400 towns, cities, and military bases in all 50 states. This program nationally recognizes cities and towns for urban and community forestry and helps provide assistance and public attention to showcase the importance of urban forestry.
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