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A.K. Smiley Public Library

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Established in 1894, A.K. Smiley Public Library has served generations of patrons in the City of Redlands and beyond. The only “admission fee” is curiosity. Lifelong learning is at the center of activity in the beautiful, historic building and attractive grounds!

Arbor Day

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.

  • Arbor Day_Citrograph, 04-05-1890
    Citrograph, April 5, 1890
  • Arbor Day-Terrace Church_Facts, 03-27-1891
    Facts, March 27, 1891
  • Arbor Day_Daily Facts, 10-18-1894
    Daily Facts, October 18, 1894
  • Arbor Day_Citrograph, 04-11-1896
    Citrograph, April 11, 1896
  • Clipping from The Citrograph – Newspapers.com
    Citrograph, March 24, 1905
  • C034.013.7796_New England Society
    Redlands' New England Society planting elm tree in Smiley Park, March 7, 1910
  • C034.013.00201_New England Society Arbor Day
    Redlands' New England Society planting tree at Sylvan Park, 1914
  • Arboricultural Society, Tree planting 11 12 1915 01
    Redlands' Arboricultural Society planting tree at the Triangle, November 12, 1915
  • Arbor Day-RHS_RDF, 03-07-1957
    Redlands Daily Facts, March 7, 1957
  • Franklin School_RDF, 06-16-1971
    Redlands Daily Facts, June 16, 1971
  • Arbor Day_RDF, 03-05-1973 (1 of 2)_PHOTO
    Redlands Daily Facts, March 5, 1973
  • Arbor Day_RDF, 03-05-1973 (2 of 2)_PHOTO
    Redlands Daily Facts, March 5, 1973
  • IMG_0310
    Elm tree at Smiley Park planted by New England Society in 1910

Learn about Redlands Parks

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