Who started Arbor Day?

The originator of Arbor Day is J. Sterling Morton, who was a prominent American journalist and politician in the late 19th century. He advocated for the planting of trees as a way to improve the landscape and environment, particularly in the treeless plains of Nebraska. In 1872, Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday to encourage people to plant trees for shade, timber, and beauty, leading to the establishment of Arbor Day. This initiative emphasized the importance of trees in preserving the environment and enhancing agricultural productivity, making it a significant movement in American conservation history. Morton's efforts led to the first official Arbor Day celebration on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska, which set a precedent for the future observance of this day across the United States and around the world. His dedication to forestry and tree planting has had a lasting impact on environmental awareness and conservation efforts.