Today marks the second annual Arbor Day in
Newfoundland and Labrador. A focus on trees and the role they play in
the environment of Newfoundland and Labrador reiterates the theme of
Environment Week 2010 — Embracing Life on Earth. Environment Week is
being celebrated from May 30-June 5.
"It is important that, particularly during Environment
Week, we focus on our province's native plants and their role in keeping
our ecosystems healthy," said Minister Johnson. "Planting a tree not
only helps us observe Arbor Day, but also draws our attention to the
need to help conserve our native plants which contribute to the
biodiversity of our province and also provide food and shelter for many
wild animal species. I am delighted to join with community partners like
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador for this celebration."
Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer
from Nebraska, United States, who proposed a holiday for tree planting
in the 1870s. Nebraska was essentially a treeless state at the time, and
the proposal was adopted. The observance spread to other states and,
eventually, to other countries. While Arbor Day is celebrated every year
on the last Friday in April in the United States, other countries have
adopted dates that coincide with ideal tree planting times for the
particular area. The customary observance is to plant a tree.
"Trees symbolize life and strength, and play a very
valuable role in our ecosystems," said Anthony O'Neill, President of
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador. "The celebration of Arbor Day, in
conjunction with the Provincial Government, showcases the importance of
how government, industry and individuals must work together to promote
the environment and the need for all of us to be environmental
stewards."
A proclamation to recognize June 1 as Arbor Day each
year in Newfoundland and Labrador was signed by the Provincial
Government and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009.
A tree planting ceremony to commemorate Arbor Day,
originally scheduled for today (June 1), will take place on the grounds
of Confederation Building on Thursday (June 3) at 11:00 a.m.
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