Celebrate Missouri trees with MDC through Arbor Days in April

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News from the region
Statewide
Published Date
03/20/2019
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care.

This year’s Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 5. Missouri has been observing the state's official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 26 for 2019.

Missouri forests cover about one-third of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, jobs, timber for many wood products, and much more. Spending time in Missouri woods and forests can also provide health benefits. Exposure to nature contributes to physical well-being, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, relieves stress, and boosts energy levels. Trees also work to help our wallets, our families, our communities, our environment, and our economy. Learn more about how trees work at treeswork.org.

Get information on backyard tree care – including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more -- at mdc.mo.gov/tree-health.

Our George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are accepted from Nov. 1 to April 15 every year. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/seedlings.

TOUR THE NURSERY: Your State Forest Nursery is celebrating Arbor Days in April by hosting an open house and tours on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to see how nursery staff grows, stores, and ships more than 3 million seedlings each year. Tours are by appointment. Call 573-674-3229 to make a reservation.

Communities around the state also hold local Arbor Day activities. For more information on Arbor Day and Missouri's Tree City USA communities, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.