Raymond Balaguer
Contributor
Arbor Day (“arbor” in Latin translates literally to “tree”) is believed to have started in 16th century Spain, and it is a secular holiday meant to refresh our appreciation of planting trees and caring for them. The first American Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872.
Today, most of the United States still celebrates Arbor Day in April. In Florida, however, Arbor Day is celebrated in January due to the local climate. The warmer temperatures that characterize the Florida climate make January a more suitable month for tree planting.
To celebrate this year’s Arbor Day, a tree giveaway event will take place on Friday, Jan. 19. This event has been organized as a collaboration between the Suwannee County Forester and the Live Oak Garden Club. In addition to the tree giveaway, UF/IFAS Extension Suwannee County Office will be offering information on tree planting, tree care and general.
The giveaway will take place at the Live Oak Garden Club, located at 1300 11th St. SW, at 11:30 a.m. Trees that will be given out include slash pine, longleaf, live oaks, bald cypress, southern magnolia, red maple, sycamore, poplar and others.