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SDSU Extension Fact Sheets SDSU Extension
1968
Arbor Day in South Dakota
Cooperative Extension South Dakota State University
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Recommended Citation South Dakota State University, Cooperative Extension, "Arbor Day in South Dakota" (1968). SDSU Extension Fact Sheets. 1074. https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/extension_fact/1074
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ARBOR DAY tn SOUTH DAKOTA
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE "Hail South Dakota," "The Sunshine State," "Land of Infinite Variety," "The Shrine of Democ A SOR DAY racy" ... these are statements that make one feel good to be living in South Dakota. make one feel good to be living in South Dakota. Indeed, South Dakota does possess many features of which we can be proud and which make living here enjoyable. Not the least of these is our wonder SOUTH ful trees-shade trees, fruit trees, windbreak trees, evergreen trees, and forest trees. In order to insure this enjoyment and resource for future generations, it is the duty of the present D OTA generation to plant, protect, and preserve the trees of South Dakota. That's what Arbor Day is all about. In the botanical sense, arbor is another word for tree. Likewise arboriculture means tree care, and by LARRY HELWIG, extension forester, and arboretum means a place set aside for growing and DEAN MARTIN, extension horticulturist studying trees. A day set aside for the general plant ing of trees has been designated as Arbor Day.
History The idea of Arbor Day or tree planting day ori An ARBOR DAY Message ... ginated and was first observed in our neighboring state of Nebraska in 1872. My Fellow South Dakotans: Under the leadership of its Geographically South Dakota lies in the great founder, Julius Sterling heartland of America. The southern one-fourth of Morton, over a million South Dakota the state is in the Central Great Plains area while the trees were planted on the remainder of the state is in the area known as the 1884 Northern Great Plains. plains of Nebraska that Our state possess many fine climatic, natural, and first Arbor Day by the tree human resources. It is a pleasant, healthful, and loving pioneers. Since that uncrowded place to live. Many recent developments, time the observance of Ar Nebraska particularly the Missouri River with its potential bor Day has been adopted 1872 for electric power, irrigation, and recreation, fore by every state in the na cast a productive, challenging, and wholesome tion, as well as several for - future for our people. eign countries. Trees of our natural forests, as well as tree plant ~ ings of all other types, will contribute much to the Arbor Day was first observed in Dakota Territory future economic life and the aesthetic values of in 1884. In 1947 the State Legislature established by our state. We need to be as concerned about our tree law the last Friday in April as the official Arbor population as we are about our human Day. Each year the Governor issues an appropriate population. proclamation concerning the observance of Arbor As Governor of South Dakota I commend and Day throughout the state. The same day also has encourage all groups and individuals concerned about been designated as National Arbor Day. the wise use of our natural resources to plant trees to tame the plains. With this in mind I strongly It has been said that Arbor Day is virtually the endorse Arbor Day and urge its proper observance only national observance that looks to the future by all citizens. rather than the past. Let's keep it so in South Dakota! It is my hope that this publication will prove useful to people in all the communities of South Observance Dakota concerned with Arbor Day activities. The goal of Arbor Day activities: To create an awareness of the values and benefits of trees to man kind and the importance of every citizen doing his part to perpetuate and conserve this great natural t::7.:.:,:::::-- resource. State of South Dakota Arbor Day-or perhaps even an Arbor Week can be observed by everyone. But, to be successful an Arbor Day observance needs three things: good lead • State Horticultural Society patriotic recitation or song. The poem, "Trees," by keep root systems in a moist medium-no tree will ership, planning and organization. Usually some • S. Dok. Ornithologists Union Joyce Kilmer, could be included, followed by an ex do well if the roots are exposed to the sun and drying • State Nurserymen's Association and local nurs- adult group or committee can plan the event to in planation of Arbor Day. Initiate the actual plant air for long periods. Evergreen tree root systems are volve youth and school children. erymen ing with an explanation or dedication of the project. • Seedsmen injured by just a few seconds exposure. • Florists ASSISTANCE • Commercial gardeners PUBLICITY Proper planting gets trees off to a good early start. Most South Dakota communities have trained • Botany and biology teachers Residents of the community will be glad to know The tree's root system is cosidered to be the mouth people who can advise and assist with Arbor • Local tree experts of the plant; spread roots well so they can reach all Day • Local sportsmen's clubs "-.....,, about your tree planting project. Contact local news observances. Public officials who can help: • Any persons interested in conservation and media people-newspapers, radio, and television sta available moisture and soil nutrients. Tamp soil • County commissioners natural beauty tions-to explain Arbor Day plans. tightly against the roots to exclude all air pockets. • Mayors Follow with a thorough watering. • City managers PLANNING • Park officials Advance Arbor Day planning is important. Follow-up maintenance - watering, fertilizing • City foresters Remember ..• Don't start a tree planting project that your group pruning, and pest wntrol-is another factor to con • Town officers can't handle to completion. It might be easier to set • Boards of education The success of your Arbor Day planting project sider when planning the Arbor Day project. Don't up the project in stages, taking several years to com an
Basic intent of planting. care. and maintenance ••. pride grows as the planting becomes more func gar maple, pine, spruce, and black walnut qualify tional. as appropriate choices for living memorials. Since special plans are desirable for this kind of planting, it is best to secure professional or technical RECREATION AREAS assistance. An integral part of most South Dakota recrea The community forest may range from a block tion areas is trees. Without a good tree population a planting of a few acres to a 200-acre complex. Any picnic or camping area offers little appeal. or all trees described in Extension Circular 566, A planting of this type will require professional "Trees for South Dakota," are suitable. or technical help if it is to achieve the desired results. Size of the project will depend on resources avail PUBLIC CHRISTMAS TREES able. It may involve opening a completely new area, The Holiday Season in many South Dakota adding to the perimeter of one already established communities is inaugurated by setting up a large or making a present area more attractive with evergreen tree for public display. This practice rep additional trees. resents quite an annual expense in purchase and Species of trees will depend on the recreational transport. Solution: a living Christmas tree. ue of the area. For example, columnar poplars are Select a prominent 25x25 foot area where the suitable for screening, hackberry or ash for shade . .stat~-1he Black Hills spruce, migh.Lbe.. planted, The Colorado blue spruce also is an ideal species for RESOURCE CONSERVATION a community Christmas tree. An evergreen tree between five and ten feet tall Planting trees to conserve natural resources is recommended. If balled and burlaped, planted has contributed extensively to South Dakota's pres with care, and given close attention the first two ent-day tree population. Field windbreaks conserve years, the tree will have a good chance to survive. soil and moisture. Farmstead and feedlot windbreaks make winter conditions more bearable. Game cov MEMORIAL PLANTINGS er areas planted with trees and shrubs are favorite Planting trees to honor a special person or event habitats of deer, pheasants, and grouse. is a fine idea. Because of their long lives trees record Conservation tree plantings require de.finite plans themselves in the traditions of a community and the and careful selection of species. Part of the cost of memories of its people. such plantings is shared by state and federal govern People who have made South Dakota or the na- ments. Contact the Soil Conservation Service; De tion a better place to live or who have dedicated partment of Game, Fish, and Parks; or the County themselves to a service or profession in a community Extension Service for information and assistance. are certainly worthy of a living memorial. Local sportsmen's groups are especially inter For a memorial planting choose a tree that is ested in promoting conservation-type tree planting hardy and long lived. The bur oak, hackberry, su- projects.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 an