First off, lets makes sure we know the difference between the Arbor Day and Earth Day. Arbor Day’s purpose is to plant more trees in the community, while Earth Day’s purpose is to pay attention to the condition the environment is in and what we can do to help it. Arbor Day actually came way before Earth Day, but it eventually lost popularity as Earth Day become more and more popular.
WSU feels strongly about celebrating both of these days that improve the environment. WSU is celebrating the fifth annual Arbor Day Celebration, which started with a kick off on April 19 featuring a free tree give-away and a campus presentation by horticulturist and author, Heather Holm. The theme for WSU’s 2017 Arbor Day Celebration is “Trees Supporting Bees (and their friends)!”
Next, WSU will partner with the City of Winona and participate in the 2017 combined Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the East End Recreation Center. The event will feature a speaker and author talk, free tree giveaways, poetry, a book signing, tree plantings, food and craft vendors, advice on gardening and tree selection, demonstrations and activities for children and adults.
Each year WSU partners with local school to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. This year’s partnership between WSU’s Landscape Arboretum and students will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 28. Children will be taught how to plant trees properly, the science behind trees and why they matter. An important point for this year’s celebration is informing people why selecting trees that support pollinators will benefit the environment.
There are many ways you can help the environment, Warriors, if you explore the options! A great first step is to try out and attend the outdoor education opportunities offered at WSU this year.
Written in part by Allison Mueller
