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Internationally, Arbor Day (Arbor means "tree" in Latin) is a day when people around the world are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The very first Arbor Day took place in Nebraska in the United States in April 1872 when, it is estimated, 1 million trees were planted on that day.
It is now observed on various dates in many countries, usually around spring-time to mark the season of rebirth, although not restricted to that season. This means that most Northern Hemisphere countries celebrate the day between March and May, and in the Southern Hemisphere, between late July and early September.
In South Africa, September 1st marks the first day of Spring. Arbor Week, from 1-7 September each year, is intended to both promote a better understanding of trees, particularly indigenous trees and highlight the important role trees play in sustainable development as well as raise awareness of South Africa’s urban greening initiatives. Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1983 and with a recognition of the need to be proactive about greening the environment, in 1999 it was extended to Arbor Week.
Arbor Day not only has its roots in Nebraska but is also associated with biblical references (Israel), historic figures (the celebration of the birthday of Japanese Emperor Hirohito) and the ultimate environmental issue - combating desertification in Niger.
While the actual planting of a tree is voluntary in most countries, a resolution in the People's Republic of China was passed in 1981, stipulated that every able-bodied citizen between the ages of 11 and 60 should plant three to five trees per year or do the equivalent amount of work in seedling, cultivation, tree tending or other services.
Members of The Sharks staff together with the beautiful tree, a Calodendrum (kalos = beautiful, dendron = tree in Greek).
