Arbor Day Celebration at Potter Park

LANSING –Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is once again hosting the State Arbor Day Celebration at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Over 1200 second and third graders with teachers and chaperones are expected to attend. Volunteers from Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Consumers Energy, City of Lansing-Forestry Department, Lansing Board of Water and Light and numerous environmental education groups will make the event a success. Jason Colthorp from WILX News will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the noontime tree planting ceremony. The ceremony will include presentation of awards, a juggler, a cross cut saw race and the planting of a Linden Plane donated by Ayles Tree Service.

In addition to the event at Potter Park, Downtown Lansing Businesses will be handing out free White Spruce seedlings to customers on Arbor Day. Seedlings provide a way for the citizens of Lansing to become more involved in Arbor Day. Planting a seedling serves as a reminder to celebrate Arbor Day Everyday! Community Arbor Day Celebrations can also be found on our website,

www.miarbordayalliance.com.

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer and journalist championed the idea of a "tree planting" holiday in the Nebraska Territory. In the 1800's, the plains had been cleared for building materials, fuel and farming. It is estimated that Nebraskans planted over 1 million trees that first Arbor Day. Michigan has been celebrating Arbor Day since 1885.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan. Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being. Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

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