Celebrating 150 years of Arbor Day in Minnesota

On April 24, Minnesotans celebrate Arbor Day, marking the 150^th anniversary of the state’s first observance. In 1876 Minnesota became only the fourth state to adopt the event that would become one of our most cherished conservation traditions. While Arbor Day is a single day of recognition, Minnesota extends the celebration throughout May as Arbor Month, a practice established in 1978.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites all Minnesotans to celebrate Arbor Day and Arbor Month by planting and caring for trees and connecting with their neighbors under the theme, Plant It Forward.

“Trees support more than just our landscapes,” said Rachael Dvoracek, community forestry project specialist. “They help cool our communities, clean the air, and create places where people feel connected. When Minnesotans plant and care for trees, they’re making an investment that benefits their communities for generations.”

Throughout Arbor Month, the DNR encourages Minnesotans to plant it forward in ways that fit their community. That might include joining a local tree planting event, organizing a planting day with neighbors, adding a tree to a yard or shared space, or caring for existing trees by watering during dry periods or refreshing mulch.

Many communities host Arbor Month activities through the Tree City USA program (mndnr.gov/forestry/urban/tree-city.html). Tree City USA is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and celebrate their public trees. Minnesota is home to 107 Tree City USA communities and 2026 marks the 50^th anniversary of Tree City USA – it’s big year for tree celebrations!

Visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/arbormonth) for tree planting tips and ways to celebrate. Also, follow the DNR on social media (mndnr.gov/social) and post about your own planting it forward activities.