Arbor Day Newsletter March/April 2022

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 2 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora The magnolia is one of the most ancient flowering trees, dating back to prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. After serving as a source of beauty for millions of years, it was eventually named in honor of Pierre Magnol, a 17th-century French botanist.

LEAVES: Alternate, leathery, and

5–10 inches in length, with a lustrous dark green color and soft, rusty underside. Because this is an evergreen, most leaves stay on the tree year-round.

FLOWERS: Large, creamy white,

and fragrant with cup-shaped petals.

Some can be up to 12 inches in diameter.

emerge from 3–8-inch-long pods in the fall.

BARK: Smooth and gray, although some older trees may develop large, scaly plates.

FORM: Oval or pyramid-shaped.

This is a large tree, about 60–80 feet tall at maturity with a spread of 30–50 feet.

J.H. Pete Carmichael

Today, the Southern magnolia and its stunning white flowers are a landscape staple across the southern United States. But don’t let its name deter you — this tree can also grow in areas as far north as Maine, Michigan, and Washington.

FRUIT: Small, bright red seeds

WILDLIFE VALUE: The southern

magnolia’s fruit is eaten by squirrels, rabbits, and birds — including wild turkeys.

PLANTING: Prefers full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and moderate drought. Suitable for planting in hardiness zones 6–10.

To purchase or learn more about this tree or others, visit arborday.org/southernmagnolia or scan this QR code.

This tree may be better placed in landscaping rather than along a street, due to its leathery leaves and large seed pods that are shed in the fall.

CELEBRATING

5 DECADES OF TREE PLANTING

An official publication of

.

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2022 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

50133701

Healing in the Wake of

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Hurricane Michael

Dan Lambe

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

TREE BASICS

More Than 13,000 Trees Distributed to Florida Residents

The Economics of Urban Forestry

THREE AND A HALF YEARS AGO, on October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle.

URBAN TREES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN an important part of the fabric of America. They beautify our communities. They cool our homes and increase property values. And they create jobs and opportunities while delivering important benefits to residents.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — on the 100th anniversary of Arbor Day — the Arbor Day Foundation was founded. This was no coincidence. The founder, John Rosenow, knew this organization would focus on preserving the significance of the tree planter’s holiday … and also reminding people to recognize the importance of trees beyond just that last Friday in April.

While it may look a bit different today than it did then, the driving force behind the Foundation has remained the same: trees.

Our mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees has transcended five decades and directly reflects the spirit of the Arbor Day holiday each of us holds dear.

Plant. Nurture. Celebrate. It’s the kind of mission that rallies us all together for the sole purpose of planting a better tomorrow.

And it truly does connect us. As I travel to spread the Foundation’s message about the need for tree planting, I am greeted time and time again by loyal members just like you. Members eager to connect with like minds to discuss the benefits trees provide for the world. It’s part of what I love about working here … seeing firsthand how the last 50 years have fostered an expansive and inclusive community of passionate tree planters.

I want to personally thank you for being part of this milestone, for helping to shape not only the scale but also the direction of our impact. More forests restored to their natural majesty. More communities focused on caring for their tree canopy. More children being inspired to become the next generation of conservationists. A greener world for us all to share.

Together we have done amazing things, and I can’t wait to see what the coming decades have in store.

The storm was one of the most destructive in the state’s history. Residents lost homes, businesses, and entire livelihoods, with total damages estimated at $18.4 billion. But one of the most devastating impacts was on the area’s trees.

During the hurricane, 2.8 million acres of trees were uprooted and snapped in two. Many communities and forests were left completely barren. The Florida Forest Service began replanting almost immediately — and the Arbor Day Foundation stepped in to help.

Our work started just three months after the hurricane hit.

On January 18, 2019, Florida’s Arbor Day, several of our staff traveled to the Panhandle to help give away 1,000 trees in Panama City and Marianna. Local residents were enthusiastic and ready to plant, lining up for hours before the event began so they could take home a tree.

That day was just the beginning of our work in Florida. We are proud to share that over the past three years, we This map from the Florida Forest Service shows the have distributed extensive tree damage caused by Hurricane Michael. more than 13,000 trees to residents within the FEMA disaster declaration zone through our Community Canopy program.

“We’re trying to get into the hardest-hit areas that lost the most amount of trees,” said Will Liner, urban forestry program manager for the Florida Forest Service, who has organized many of the distribution events.

In 2021 alone, residents in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties received 1,400 native trees for their yards. The continued interest these homeowners have in planting, several years in, has been incredible to see.

These trees are a much-needed sign of life for people who have lost so much. Thank you for making this amazing recovery effort possible through your membership and support.

2 ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

On the cover: Creating a better world through trees is at the heart of the Arbor Day Foundation's 50 years of impact.

Now, in a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Bureau of Business Research, in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation and the USDA Forest Service, have quantified the value of these trees to our national economy and our quality of life. Below are some of the key findings.

ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT Trees have a tremendous impact on local economies, from job creation to sales and services.

Tree City USA Bulletin The January/February edition further explains the research findings on a national and a state level. You will also get a glimpse of how individuals view the benefits of the trees in their communities.

TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BULLETIN, PLEASE VISIT

arborday.org/treecare EMPLOYMENT More than 500,000 people are employed as a result of urban forestry activities.

ECONOMY The urban forestry sector has an annual sales and employment footprint worth $64 billion.

QUALITY-OF-LIFE BENEFITS The trees in communities across America are hard at work providing a wide range of benefits for all of us.

WELL-BEING Urban trees contribute $73 billion in community-wide environmental benefits each year, such as carbon sequestration, air pollution removal, and avoided stormwater runoff.

PROPERTY VALUES Tree cover at private homes adds $31.5 billion annually to property values across the U.S.

FOLLOW US AT

facebook.com/arborday

Celebrate In Your Own Way Whether you’re attending a community event or greening up your own yard, celebratearborday.com has everything you need to make this Arbor Day extra special.

Head over to the website to order celebration materials, view a map with events in your area, pick up tree care and planting tips, and much more. We can’t wait to see how you ring in this milestone anniversary — make sure to share your photos on social media using #ArborDay!

Open the camera app and scan for quick access

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

7

School Orchards

PLANTING TREES TO NOURISH BODIES AND MINDS OF STUDENTS

Nebraska City, Nebraska

IT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN that children benefit from engaging with nature. As we see more and more schools finding ways to make this a reality for students of all ages, some are focused on the nutritional benefits as well as the learning opportunities.

This idea is being brought to life at and around schools in Auburn and Lewiston, Maine. These two communities make up one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state and also face issues of poverty and food insecurity.

This past year marks the third time funding has been secured for these communities through TD Tree Days, a 10-year grant program sponsored by TD Bank and managed by the Arbor Day Foundation. In the fall, an orchard was added, two previously planted orchards were enhanced, and fruit and nut trees were distributed to area residents.

Richard Hodges, ReTreeUS program manager, truly embraces these opportunities to help children plant and care for trees. “I see kids getting their hands dirty and just getting really excited and learning lessons that they might not otherwise get,” he said. “I also see

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: arbordayfarm.org • 800-546-5433

a lot of students who might struggle in the indoor classroom setting just really thrive in the outdoors planting fruit trees.” He’s also excited to see the orchards being used as outdoor classrooms, expanding the potential for hands-on learning.

In addition to education, these trees will also contribute to the health of students. Once the orchards begin to produce, they will have access to fresh fruit — an important benefit not always available at home. Richard said that “having an orchard where students from the high school and elementary school can get snacks on their way to and from school is just … invaluable.”

Projects like this are shining examples of how trees can ensure a brighter tomorrow.

Leave a Legacy Through Trees NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL the contribution, your gift to the Arbor Day Foundation can have an impact that extends beyond your lifetime — helping to plant trees as a solution to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. And the best part is that you can make your gift using any of a long list of options. Simply choose what works best for you.

INFORMATION PLEASE n Please send me information about how to include the Arbor Day Foundation in my will. n I have already named the Arbor Day Foundation in my will.

(All wishes for anonymity will be honored.)

Please print: Name Address City/State/Zip

• Cash Gift • Gift of Land • Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund is a convenient, tax-deductible charitable giving program that makes it easy for donors to dedicate taxdeductible funds to support a nonprofit organization. Once you establish this fund, you can recommend grants to the Arbor Day Foundation to support tree planting efforts. This process can be streamlined through the use of an online tool such as DAF Direct, which is available on our website.

For more details, please consult your professional advisor or visit arborday.org/giftplanning

Phone Number Best time to call

More common ways to give include: • Tax-Free IRA Distributions • Charitable Gift Annuity • Gift of Stock

08714 100

Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508

If you have questions about donor-advised funds or need assistance, please contact our Development Team by phone at 888-488-7337 ext. 9612 or by email at development@arborday.org.

The Place Where It All Began — Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day — THIS APRIL MARKS A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION in the tree planting world — the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. It’s incredible to think that we’ve been celebrating this holiday together for a century and a half. But that’s the power of trees. Young or old, regardless of background or beliefs, everyone can get behind the mission of beautifying our Earth.

Arbor Day wasn’t always celebrated on a global scale. It began with one person, and one idea, in a small town on the Nebraska prairie.

Humble Beginnings J. Sterling Morton was an early settler to the Nebraska Territory. In 1855, he purchased a large plot of land in Nebraska City, where he settled with his family.

At the time, Nebraska had few trees. Without them, settlers lacked windbreaks, fuel, building materials, and shade from the hot sun.

Morton was passionate about planting trees on his own property, and eventually, lobbied the state

legislature to create a holiday that would encourage Nebraskans to do the same.

The first Arbor Day celebration was held in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to the individuals and counties that planted the most trees.

The day was a resounding success, with an estimated 1 million trees planted throughout the state.

A Lasting Legacy Today, that Nebraska City property has transformed from the home of a singular tree planter to a destination for 150,000 annual visitors across the country.

The Arbor Day Foundation maintains the 260-acre area as a conservation and educational space, with a hotel, dining options, walking paths, interactive adventures, and year-round seasonal activities.

Surrounding these modern additions are the property’s original mansion, trees, and orchard.

We love keeping the spirit of Arbor Day alive — 365 days a year — in this beautiful and historic place.

And if you ever find yourself in the Midwest, we encourage you to stop by and experience it for yourself.

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

Tree City USA A Longstanding Program Honoring 150 Years of Tradition NOTHING ILLUSTRATES the meaningful history of Arbor Day year after year quite like the Foundation’s Tree City USA program. In addition to recognizing communities dedicated to urban tree care, the program also shines a light on the way these cities and towns celebrate the tree planter’s holiday on National Arbor Day and beyond.

N 1972, ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARBOR DAY, the Arbor Day Foundation was founded. The mission was simple: inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. And together with devoted members across the country, we have turned that mission into a driver for change on a global scale.

Throughout the years, we have developed dozens of ways for people to engage in tree planting and care.

Everything from 10 free trees with membership to Give-A-Tree® cards that plant trees in our nation’s forests to community recognition through the Tree City USA® program. The level of involvement and support for tree planting has been overwhelming — making a tremendous impact for forests and communities throughout the country and around the world.

Here’s to a Greener Future You have helped us accomplish so much, and we’re proud to celebrate not only these achievements but also your ongoing, unwavering dedication to trees. Year after year, Arbor Day Foundation members, donors, and corporate supporters have rallied around trees and the benefits they provide for everyone.

As you know, our work is far from over. Tree planting remains critical for the future of our Earth. Together we will leverage the momentum and impact we have created over the past 50 years to continue this important work and ensure a better tomorrow … through trees.

Nearly 500 million trees planted and distributed

Active members in all 50 states, 7 territories and military bases, and 8 additional countries 4 ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Work in

55 countries

worldwide

3,676

recognized Tree City USA® communities, home to more than 163 million people

The community of Newton, Kansas — a recognized Tree City since the program began in 1976 — is a prime example. It is also one of many communities that has shown the same resiliency as the trees they are dedicated to planting. In the fall of 2019, acorns were gathered by the city’s Parks Division. The seeds were then planted and nurtured into seedlings to be distributed in honor of Arbor Day 2020. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, nearly 450 trees were given out to plant in yards throughout the community.

Having received recognition for the first time in 2020, the community of Round Hill, Virginia, isn’t new to a dedication to trees. The small town is situated along the Appalachian Trail and is focused on fostering a love for nature and outdoor exploration.

Even in the first year of recognition, the whole community embodies the ideals of Arbor Day and engaging the next generation in the planting, caring, and celebration of trees.

Through these and thousands of other communities, the legacy of Arbor Day will be carried on for generations to come.

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

5

Tree City USA A Longstanding Program Honoring 150 Years of Tradition NOTHING ILLUSTRATES the meaningful history of Arbor Day year after year quite like the Foundation’s Tree City USA program. In addition to recognizing communities dedicated to urban tree care, the program also shines a light on the way these cities and towns celebrate the tree planter’s holiday on National Arbor Day and beyond.

N 1972, ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARBOR DAY, the Arbor Day Foundation was founded. The mission was simple: inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. And together with devoted members across the country, we have turned that mission into a driver for change on a global scale.

Throughout the years, we have developed dozens of ways for people to engage in tree planting and care.

Everything from 10 free trees with membership to Give-A-Tree® cards that plant trees in our nation’s forests to community recognition through the Tree City USA® program. The level of involvement and support for tree planting has been overwhelming — making a tremendous impact for forests and communities throughout the country and around the world.

Here’s to a Greener Future You have helped us accomplish so much, and we’re proud to celebrate not only these achievements but also your ongoing, unwavering dedication to trees. Year after year, Arbor Day Foundation members, donors, and corporate supporters have rallied around trees and the benefits they provide for everyone.

As you know, our work is far from over. Tree planting remains critical for the future of our Earth. Together we will leverage the momentum and impact we have created over the past 50 years to continue this important work and ensure a better tomorrow … through trees.

Nearly 500 million trees planted and distributed

Active members in all 50 states, 7 territories and military bases, and 8 additional countries 4 ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

Work in

55 countries

worldwide

3,676

recognized Tree City USA® communities, home to more than 163 million people

The community of Newton, Kansas — a recognized Tree City since the program began in 1976 — is a prime example. It is also one of many communities that has shown the same resiliency as the trees they are dedicated to planting. In the fall of 2019, acorns were gathered by the city’s Parks Division. The seeds were then planted and nurtured into seedlings to be distributed in honor of Arbor Day 2020. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, nearly 450 trees were given out to plant in yards throughout the community.

Having received recognition for the first time in 2020, the community of Round Hill, Virginia, isn’t new to a dedication to trees. The small town is situated along the Appalachian Trail and is focused on fostering a love for nature and outdoor exploration.

Even in the first year of recognition, the whole community embodies the ideals of Arbor Day and engaging the next generation in the planting, caring, and celebration of trees.

Through these and thousands of other communities, the legacy of Arbor Day will be carried on for generations to come.

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

5

School Orchards

PLANTING TREES TO NOURISH BODIES AND MINDS OF STUDENTS

Nebraska City, Nebraska

IT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN that children benefit from engaging with nature. As we see more and more schools finding ways to make this a reality for students of all ages, some are focused on the nutritional benefits as well as the learning opportunities.

This idea is being brought to life at and around schools in Auburn and Lewiston, Maine. These two communities make up one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state and also face issues of poverty and food insecurity.

This past year marks the third time funding has been secured for these communities through TD Tree Days, a 10-year grant program sponsored by TD Bank and managed by the Arbor Day Foundation. In the fall, an orchard was added, two previously planted orchards were enhanced, and fruit and nut trees were distributed to area residents.

Richard Hodges, ReTreeUS program manager, truly embraces these opportunities to help children plant and care for trees. “I see kids getting their hands dirty and just getting really excited and learning lessons that they might not otherwise get,” he said. “I also see

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: arbordayfarm.org • 800-546-5433

a lot of students who might struggle in the indoor classroom setting just really thrive in the outdoors planting fruit trees.” He’s also excited to see the orchards being used as outdoor classrooms, expanding the potential for hands-on learning.

In addition to education, these trees will also contribute to the health of students. Once the orchards begin to produce, they will have access to fresh fruit — an important benefit not always available at home. Richard said that “having an orchard where students from the high school and elementary school can get snacks on their way to and from school is just … invaluable.”

Projects like this are shining examples of how trees can ensure a brighter tomorrow.

Leave a Legacy Through Trees NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL the contribution, your gift to the Arbor Day Foundation can have an impact that extends beyond your lifetime — helping to plant trees as a solution to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. And the best part is that you can make your gift using any of a long list of options. Simply choose what works best for you.

INFORMATION PLEASE n Please send me information about how to include the Arbor Day Foundation in my will. n I have already named the Arbor Day Foundation in my will.

(All wishes for anonymity will be honored.)

Please print: Name Address City/State/Zip

• Cash Gift • Gift of Land • Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund is a convenient, tax-deductible charitable giving program that makes it easy for donors to dedicate taxdeductible funds to support a nonprofit organization. Once you establish this fund, you can recommend grants to the Arbor Day Foundation to support tree planting efforts. This process can be streamlined through the use of an online tool such as DAF Direct, which is available on our website.

For more details, please consult your professional advisor or visit arborday.org/giftplanning

Phone Number Best time to call

More common ways to give include: • Tax-Free IRA Distributions • Charitable Gift Annuity • Gift of Stock

08714 100

Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508

If you have questions about donor-advised funds or need assistance, please contact our Development Team by phone at 888-488-7337 ext. 9612 or by email at development@arborday.org.

The Place Where It All Began — Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day — THIS APRIL MARKS A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION in the tree planting world — the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. It’s incredible to think that we’ve been celebrating this holiday together for a century and a half. But that’s the power of trees. Young or old, regardless of background or beliefs, everyone can get behind the mission of beautifying our Earth.

Arbor Day wasn’t always celebrated on a global scale. It began with one person, and one idea, in a small town on the Nebraska prairie.

Humble Beginnings J. Sterling Morton was an early settler to the Nebraska Territory. In 1855, he purchased a large plot of land in Nebraska City, where he settled with his family.

At the time, Nebraska had few trees. Without them, settlers lacked windbreaks, fuel, building materials, and shade from the hot sun.

Morton was passionate about planting trees on his own property, and eventually, lobbied the state

legislature to create a holiday that would encourage Nebraskans to do the same.

The first Arbor Day celebration was held in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to the individuals and counties that planted the most trees.

The day was a resounding success, with an estimated 1 million trees planted throughout the state.

A Lasting Legacy Today, that Nebraska City property has transformed from the home of a singular tree planter to a destination for 150,000 annual visitors across the country.

The Arbor Day Foundation maintains the 260-acre area as a conservation and educational space, with a hotel, dining options, walking paths, interactive adventures, and year-round seasonal activities.

Surrounding these modern additions are the property’s original mansion, trees, and orchard.

We love keeping the spirit of Arbor Day alive — 365 days a year — in this beautiful and historic place.

And if you ever find yourself in the Midwest, we encourage you to stop by and experience it for yourself.

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

3

Healing in the Wake of

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Hurricane Michael

Dan Lambe

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

TREE BASICS

More Than 13,000 Trees Distributed to Florida Residents

The Economics of Urban Forestry

THREE AND A HALF YEARS AGO, on October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle.

URBAN TREES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN an important part of the fabric of America. They beautify our communities. They cool our homes and increase property values. And they create jobs and opportunities while delivering important benefits to residents.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — on the 100th anniversary of Arbor Day — the Arbor Day Foundation was founded. This was no coincidence. The founder, John Rosenow, knew this organization would focus on preserving the significance of the tree planter’s holiday … and also reminding people to recognize the importance of trees beyond just that last Friday in April.

While it may look a bit different today than it did then, the driving force behind the Foundation has remained the same: trees.

Our mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees has transcended five decades and directly reflects the spirit of the Arbor Day holiday each of us holds dear.

Plant. Nurture. Celebrate. It’s the kind of mission that rallies us all together for the sole purpose of planting a better tomorrow.

And it truly does connect us. As I travel to spread the Foundation’s message about the need for tree planting, I am greeted time and time again by loyal members just like you. Members eager to connect with like minds to discuss the benefits trees provide for the world. It’s part of what I love about working here … seeing firsthand how the last 50 years have fostered an expansive and inclusive community of passionate tree planters.

I want to personally thank you for being part of this milestone, for helping to shape not only the scale but also the direction of our impact. More forests restored to their natural majesty. More communities focused on caring for their tree canopy. More children being inspired to become the next generation of conservationists. A greener world for us all to share.

Together we have done amazing things, and I can’t wait to see what the coming decades have in store.

The storm was one of the most destructive in the state’s history. Residents lost homes, businesses, and entire livelihoods, with total damages estimated at $18.4 billion. But one of the most devastating impacts was on the area’s trees.

During the hurricane, 2.8 million acres of trees were uprooted and snapped in two. Many communities and forests were left completely barren. The Florida Forest Service began replanting almost immediately — and the Arbor Day Foundation stepped in to help.

Our work started just three months after the hurricane hit.

On January 18, 2019, Florida’s Arbor Day, several of our staff traveled to the Panhandle to help give away 1,000 trees in Panama City and Marianna. Local residents were enthusiastic and ready to plant, lining up for hours before the event began so they could take home a tree.

That day was just the beginning of our work in Florida. We are proud to share that over the past three years, we This map from the Florida Forest Service shows the have distributed extensive tree damage caused by Hurricane Michael. more than 13,000 trees to residents within the FEMA disaster declaration zone through our Community Canopy program.

“We’re trying to get into the hardest-hit areas that lost the most amount of trees,” said Will Liner, urban forestry program manager for the Florida Forest Service, who has organized many of the distribution events.

In 2021 alone, residents in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties received 1,400 native trees for their yards. The continued interest these homeowners have in planting, several years in, has been incredible to see.

These trees are a much-needed sign of life for people who have lost so much. Thank you for making this amazing recovery effort possible through your membership and support.

2 ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

On the cover: Creating a better world through trees is at the heart of the Arbor Day Foundation's 50 years of impact.

Now, in a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Bureau of Business Research, in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation and the USDA Forest Service, have quantified the value of these trees to our national economy and our quality of life. Below are some of the key findings.

ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT Trees have a tremendous impact on local economies, from job creation to sales and services.

Tree City USA Bulletin The January/February edition further explains the research findings on a national and a state level. You will also get a glimpse of how individuals view the benefits of the trees in their communities.

TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BULLETIN, PLEASE VISIT

arborday.org/treecare EMPLOYMENT More than 500,000 people are employed as a result of urban forestry activities.

ECONOMY The urban forestry sector has an annual sales and employment footprint worth $64 billion.

QUALITY-OF-LIFE BENEFITS The trees in communities across America are hard at work providing a wide range of benefits for all of us.

WELL-BEING Urban trees contribute $73 billion in community-wide environmental benefits each year, such as carbon sequestration, air pollution removal, and avoided stormwater runoff.

PROPERTY VALUES Tree cover at private homes adds $31.5 billion annually to property values across the U.S.

FOLLOW US AT

facebook.com/arborday

Celebrate In Your Own Way Whether you’re attending a community event or greening up your own yard, celebratearborday.com has everything you need to make this Arbor Day extra special.

Head over to the website to order celebration materials, view a map with events in your area, pick up tree care and planting tips, and much more. We can’t wait to see how you ring in this milestone anniversary — make sure to share your photos on social media using #ArborDay!

Open the camera app and scan for quick access

ARBOR DAY • March/April 2022 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org

7

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 2 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora The magnolia is one of the most ancient flowering trees, dating back to prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. After serving as a source of beauty for millions of years, it was eventually named in honor of Pierre Magnol, a 17th-century French botanist.

LEAVES: Alternate, leathery, and

5–10 inches in length, with a lustrous dark green color and soft, rusty underside. Because this is an evergreen, most leaves stay on the tree year-round.

FLOWERS: Large, creamy white,

and fragrant with cup-shaped petals.

Some can be up to 12 inches in diameter.

emerge from 3–8-inch-long pods in the fall.

BARK: Smooth and gray, although some older trees may develop large, scaly plates.

FORM: Oval or pyramid-shaped.

This is a large tree, about 60–80 feet tall at maturity with a spread of 30–50 feet.

J.H. Pete Carmichael

Today, the Southern magnolia and its stunning white flowers are a landscape staple across the southern United States. But don’t let its name deter you — this tree can also grow in areas as far north as Maine, Michigan, and Washington.

FRUIT: Small, bright red seeds

WILDLIFE VALUE: The southern

magnolia’s fruit is eaten by squirrels, rabbits, and birds — including wild turkeys.

PLANTING: Prefers full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and moderate drought. Suitable for planting in hardiness zones 6–10.

To purchase or learn more about this tree or others, visit arborday.org/southernmagnolia or scan this QR code.

This tree may be better placed in landscaping rather than along a street, due to its leathery leaves and large seed pods that are shed in the fall.

CELEBRATING

5 DECADES OF TREE PLANTING

An official publication of

.

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2022 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

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