The White Falcon - 04.06.1993, Blaðsíða 4

The roots of Arbor Day sprouted in Nebraska
By Mark Ebbert
Arbor Day was the idea of J. Sterling
Morton of Nebraska City, Neb. Morton, edi-
tor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, tirelessly
advocated planting trees on the native grass-
lands of his adopted state. The early settlers
needed trees for fuel, food and building
material, and to provide windbreaks and
shade.
In 1872, Morton first proposed a tree plant-
ing holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a
meeting of the State Board of Agriculture.
Prizes were offered to counties and individu-
als for properly planting the largest number
of trees on that day. It was estimated that
more than one million trees were planted in
Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
During the 1870’s other states passed leg-
islation to observe Arbor Day and the tradi-
tion began in schools in 1882. By 1894 Arbor
Day was celebrated in every state and has
now spread to other countries.
J. Sterling Morton was proud of the suc-
cess of Arbor Day. The idea of Arbor Day has
now gone far beyond our shores and, both
here and abroad, is being rediscovered as an
important way to improve our beleaguered
environment. Through
the years, Arbor Day,
naturally a primary
mission of the the Na-
tional Arbor Day
Foundation, has been
a common bond of
Earth in Repair
By B. J. Lowery,
7th grader, A. T. Mahan High School
There is a wonderful planet called Earth.
Many resources are there, all of worth.
In the big blue sky, the strong birds do soar.
On the clean terrain, the mighty lions would roar.
Our treasures are leaving us fast you see.
Look around, they are cutting down our trees.
Our cities are growing so tall so quick.
Saving our resources, now that’s a trick.
Recycling our cans, our plastic, our glass.
People who do this are in a high class.
Reuse that paper and help save a tree.
You’ll never know how much this means to me.
Fish in our oceans no longer glide free.
They must swim around in awful debris.
Clean out the oceans so all fish can live.
No greater gift to ourselves could we give.
The water we drink, it comes from the brink.
I have to admit it, it sure does stink.
Cleanliness and freshness is no longer there.
Instead it is slimy, won’t you beware?
From the crowded land to the dirty sea,
even our dolphins, our whales and fleas,
They are all dying, there is not a doubt.
We can look and tell what it is all about.
From the polluted sky and into space,
things disappearing without any trace.
Our home is our planet, it’s of great worth.
Please clean and recycle, help save our Earth.
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public action. Community projects and the
individuals behind them clearly show that
Sterling Morton’s vision lives on in the
army of good stewards who are planting
Iceland.
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Base Beau-
tification Committee on June 12 from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. at the Chapel. Free clowns and a
puppet show for children. There will be a
garden sale and a gardening expert on hand
to answer questions.
This forest at heidmork outdoor area, just outside of Reykjavik,
is a result of 30 year’s worth of reforestation efforts in Iceland.
(Photo by J02 Colleen C. Casper)
Icelanders celebrate Seamen’s Day
The first Sunday in June every year the Icelandic communities
take pan in Seamen’s Day. This day is in honor of all of the
fishermen of Iceland. In almost every town events such as tug of war
(loosers fall in to the ocean), rowing events and water log events will
be held. Most celebrations will start around 2 p.m. The biggest
celebration will be behind the Pearl in the bay between Reykjavik
and Kopavogur. For more information about the celebration c;
Einar at FSC at ext. 4401.

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The White Falcon