Originating in Nebraska in 1872, Arbor Day is dedicated to planting and caring for trees and became an annual tradition for school children across the country. Redlanders recognized Arbor Day as early as 1890 when the Waite brothers of Redlands Nursery gifted a tree to each child in the Redlands, Lugonia, and Crafton school districts. California celebrated its first official Arbor Day in 1886 and soon selected March 7th as the day for the annual holiday. Redlands’s schools continued to observe the tradition well into the 20th century with tree planting ceremonies on campuses each year.
Today, National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and is dedicated to planting trees across the country. The Arbor Day Foundation has distinguished University of Redlands as Tree Campus USA for over a decade in recognition of their commitment to urban forest management.
Visit the Arbor Day Foundation for information on how you can contribute.
