Celebrate Arbor Month by connecting with your favorite tree (April 21, 2009)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging people to connect with their favorite tree and the outdoors during May, which is Arbor Month in Minnesota.
 

The celebration of trees begins with Arbor Day on Friday, April 24. As part of the month-long festivities, the DNR has launched a “My Favorite Tree” promotion.
 

What is your favorite tree? Did you pick red pine, the state tree, or oak, the national tree?  Or, did you list the tree you climbed as a child? Does your favorite tree save you money by shading your home from the sun?  Could it be the tree you planted to memorialize a loved one or to celebrate a birth? Not only are trees environmentally and economically important, they are also emotionally significant, according to Jennifer Teegarden, DNR Forestry outreach specialist.
 

People are invited to create a photo, drawing, or story of their favorite tree and post it it online.
 

The DNR mailed to educators and natural resources professionals more than 2,200 Arbor Month packets, consisting of the My Favorite Tree poster, 2009 Arbor Month proclamation, a Minnesota’s Biomes poster and complementary materials.
 

In 1876, Minnesota became the fourth state to adopt the tradition of celebrating Arbor Day. Since 1978, May has been Arbor Month in Minnesota. May’s warmer weather allows newly planted trees to get off to a good start.
 

More information about Arbor Day or Arbor Month events is available online.
 

DNR Forestry is celebrating the planting of its 1-billionth seedling. More information is available online.
 

To obtain an Arbor Month packet, contact the DNR Information Center atinfo@dnr.state.mn.us or call 651-296-6157.