On April 25, the Honourable Dustin Duncan, Minister of the Environment, officially proclaimed May 22 as Arbor Day and May 17-24 as Arbor Week (a time to plant trees).
In doing so, Minister Duncan indicated that the announcement will be publicized through the department’s Facebook page and on the Certificate of Recognition he stated “And I request the citizens of the Province of Saskatchewan to recognize this day/week.”
The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA), an affiliate of Nature Saskatchewan, began working towards this goal early in 2019, asking the province to proclaim and publicize an annual spring Arbor Day/Arbor Week. They enlisted the support of Nature Saskatchewan through a resolution, adding weight to the call.
Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton – a newspaperman – in Nebraska City, Nebraska. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted. The idea and the observance of the special day spread quickly through North America and to many other parts of the globe.
For many years in Saskatchewan, an annual spring observance occurred involving schools, community groups, municipalities and concerned individuals. The day was marked with the planting of trees, the cleaning up of yards, streets and alleys, choosing and protecting particular areas of natural habitat and a general celebration of humanity’s dependence upon nature – specifically trees.
Arbor Day and Arbor Week observances were locally planned and carried out. They were participatory, inter-generational and involved as many citizens as possible.
This year, because of COVID 19, it might take some imagination to become personally engaged and for groups and communities to plan special projects or activities. Individuals or households can celebrate by planting a tree and encouraging a neighbour to do the same. Whatever anyone does, this will contribute to healthier communities, healthier environments and a healthier world, so plant a tree.
For further information, contact: Walter Farquharson at 306-744-2214 (Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association) or Jordan Ignatiuk (306-780-9293) or jignatiuk@naturesask.ca. Executive Director, Nature Saskatchewan.
