| Here are a few Arbor Day-related stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
Tree-related photos are available in the DNR’s public image gallery.
Why we celebrate Arbor Day
Arbor Day is celebrated around the country annually to emphasize the importance of trees and how they protect our planet’s natural resources.
What are the benefits of trees?
- Trees help clean our air by removing pollutants.
- Trees contribute to reduced stress and good health by helping people feel closer to nature.
- Trees provide us with oxygen.
- Trees can help clean our drinking water by absorbing rainwater and filtering it to underground aquifers.
- Trees lower the surface and air temperature by providing shade.
- Trees help to reduce the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.
- Trees help save energy costs by shading homes and protecting them from winter winds and summer suns.
- Trees benefit wildlife by providing habitats for a variety of animals.
- Trees may help reduce minor crime, university research shows.
- Trees increase property value.
Celebrate Arbor Day in your community
Check the DNR’s Arbor Day webpage to find how to plan your own Arbor Day events or events near you to attend. The Arbor Day Foundation also has a list of ways you can celebrate Arbor Day by yourself.
Michigan Arbor Day event map
Arbor Day is coming up April 25, and to celebrate, the DNR is compiling Arbor Day events all over the state on its interactive online map. Visit the site to add your organization or community’s public event, or see over 30 events across the state to celebrate Arbor Day.
Michigan community tree selection list
Trees bring natural beauty and an array of environmental benefits to urban areas such as communities, schools, parks and backyards. For the best results from your planting, it’s important to choose the right tree. The DNR has a resource that showcases tree characteristics including size, location, hardiness and potential health concerns to help you pick the perfect tree for your space.
Tree maintenance resources
The United States Forest Service has created a Tree Owner’s Manual to help homeowners take better care of their trees. This manual has so much information to help with planting, pruning, maintenance and more!
Tree sales
Check with your local conservation district for tree sales happening near you.
Volunteer stewardship
Volunteer stewardship workdays engage volunteers through hands-on activity and education to help remove invasive plants threatening high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan. Volunteers will learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and more. No experience is necessary, and equipment and instruction are provided. You can find a workday scheduled near you on the DNR volunteer events calendar.
Nature Awaits program
Nature Awaits is a new program for children in fourth grade classrooms to experience Michigan’s outdoors. All fourth grade classrooms are eligible for an experiential field trip to select state parks for free to support their classroom learning. Each environmental education experience will have a trained educator, focused on fourth grade curriculum standards, to lead the students through hands-on learning outdoors. This program aims to make sure Michigan’s kids learn that our state parks are for everyone. You can find information on registering a class at Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.
MI Trees
 The DNR has pledged to plant 50 million trees by 2030, and you can help. Every tree you plant and track on MI Trees will add to the current 22.9 million trees already planted by the DNR and other residents like you!
Invasive tree pests
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health. There are many invasive tree pests that can negatively impact our ecosystem. The DNR has an invasive species watch list; if you think you see any of these pests, check online for the symptoms and signs of infestation. |
Check out our nonprofit Arbor Day partners:
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