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This is my tree, by the New Zealand Forest Service, ca. 1954. Alexander Turnbull Library. Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Eph-C-FOREST-SERVICE-1950s-01
This is my tree, by the New Zealand Forest Service, ca. 1954. Alexander Turnbull Library. Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Eph-C-FOREST-SERVICE-1950s-01

Description

Arbor day celebrates trees and in New Zealand it has taken place in early June for over 120 years. Today events often include volunteers planting native trees to restore or conserve ecological reserves in their region.  Last century many schools also used Arbor day to plant native trees in their grounds or local community. At Okaihu school in 1885 the Auckland Star newspaper noted, “The head-master of Okaihu school, having obtained permission to grant his scholars a holiday for the purpose of planting the school ground with plants and trees… Sixteen forest trees and 25 New Zealand shrubs were planted, and six flower buds were formed.”

Discussion

What Arbor day events are happening in your local area this year?

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