Michigan DNR offers help for tree planting and care to celebrate Arbor Day
Arbor Day highlights the role trees play in daily life, from cooling neighborhoods to managing stormwater and supporting wildlife.
Arbor Day began in 1872 as a means for everyday citizens to plant more trees. What began more than a century ago has become a global tradition, with communities recognizing trees as vital elements of a healthy environment.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources celebrates Arbor Day by offering a how-to guide, resources, and an events calendar at michigan.gov/DNR. Arbor Day highlights the role trees play in daily life, from cooling neighborhoods to managing stormwater and supporting wildlife.
“Arbor Day is important for everyone, because trees are important to everyone,” says Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “They provide so many benefits. And a lot of times we just kind of take it for granted.”
The agency points to individual and statewide efforts to expand tree coverage. Michigan’s MI Trees initiative aims to plant 50 million trees by 2030 as part of the global Trillion Trees Initiative.
“Within 10 years, we had proposed to plant 50 million trees. And I think we’re well on our way to achieving that goal,” Sayers says. “I think we just passed the 29 million mark.”
Experts say tree care is key to making those benefits last. Resources for watering, pruning and maintenance are available through the Arbor Day Foundation and the DNR’s urban forestry program.
This story is a part of the Detroit Tree Canopy Project. The Michigan DNR is a supporter of the station.
