International tree-planting day

Its history numbers more than one hundred years. The first time when idea of such a day dedicated to landscape gardening came to mind happened in American state Nebraska in 1872 at the session of agriculture department. The author of the concept was Sterling Morton, the area secretary (by the way, in 1892 he became the Minister of agriculture of USA).

Morton was supported by session participants, and state citizens made a valuable contribution to the event. The first operation occurred on the 10-th of April, 1872, and had overwhelming success: participants planted nearly a million of trees. By the early 1920-s, every state in USA had its own Tree-planting day.

In Nebraska Tree-planting day is a national holiday when you do not have to work. It is celebrated annually on last Friday of April. The similar holiday happens in many countries, the date of celebration is the only thing that differs. Usually Tree-planting day falls to spring or summer, and accurate day varies depending on climate and beginning of planting season.

In some countries this holiday has official status. For example, in Nigeria it is a part of Independence Day celebration. On the 3-rd of August, at Independence Day, every citizen has to plant a tree, making a contribution into protection from desertisation. In several countries it is arranged by efforts of non-governmental organisations and some enthusiasts. In Israel it is closely related to religious holiday Tu Bishvat also known as «New Year of Trees». Eventually religious holiday obtained social and ecological significance, becoming the tree-planting day in Israel. In South Korea it was established in view of extensive national campaign on forest restoration arranged by government of Pak Chong-Hi.

In several countries holiday has another name, but its essence remains the same. For instance, in Japan it is called as Green Day, and in Ukraine – Day of environment. According to some reports, on the basis of Day of trees celebrated in USA International Day of Mother Earth appeared, being established in 2010 upon an initiative of General Assembly of the United Nations and marked on the 22-nd of April annually.