Sample Program

Wondering what a basic Arbor Day celebration looks like? Here’s a sample program to help you as you plan.

• Present the flag. Good choices for presenters include scouts or representative for veterans’ groups.
• Provide welcome remarks by an elected official or community leader.
• Read the Arbor Day Proclamation.
• Recognize a community good steward. Nominations can be accepted beforehand.
• Provide a few remarks about the importance of wise stewardship and the contribution made by trees.
• Plant a tree together.
• Read a brief Arbor Day history, stressing tree planting and wise environmental stewardship.
• Invite older members of the community to talk about past Arbor Day celebrations and tree plantings.
• Sing songs, read poems or present a play about trees.
• Recognize individual and group commitments to future stewardship projects.
• Retire the flag and sing a closing song.
• Provide seedlings or nursery gift certificates for those who want to plant a tree in their own yard.