Biological diversity is essential to the health and wellness of our planet and all the plants, animals, and humans who share it. Ecosystems with higher levels of biodiversity have superior air and water quality, are more resistant to drought and disease, produce higher food-yields, and even contribute to the development of new and improved medicines. Thanks to harmful activities like habitat encroachment, resource exploitation, and various forms of pollution, humans are putting key ecosystems under increased stress and damaging their ability to support sufficient biodiversity. It’s important ..read more

This year, the Arbor Day Foundation launched an exciting new program nationwide: Tree Campus K–12. The program focuses on engaging elementary, middle, and high school students in nature, and 67 schools were recognized in this inaugural year of the program. To receive recognition, these schools needed to fulfill the requirements of four goals: Tree Campus Team Education Plan Hands-On Experience Arbor Day Observance Even though each school was working toward the same set of goals, the ways in which they met them were unique. Teachers and students were finding their own ways to experience tree ..read more

When it comes to the natural beauty of a community, the citizens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are a prideful bunch. “I love my neighborhood. It had beautiful trees, lots of shade,” said Alice, a Cedar Rapids resident. “The trees lined our street, so when you drove down, it felt cozy and protected.” For those who have lived in Iowa’s longest-designated Tree City USA, many reflect on that same sense of safety and comfort when walking among their community’s tree canopy. “It was home. It was what we knew,” recalls Cole, another devoted Cedar Rapids resident. “I guess I didn't realize how lucky we were ..read more

Heirloom Apple from Arbor Day Farm: Claygate Pearmain We’re all familiar with the apples readily available in the supermarket and at local orchards this time of year: red delicious, gala, fuji, jonathon. But what about the lesser-known varieties that have — for one reason or another — fallen out of the spotlight? The Preservation Orchard at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska, is full of these obscure apple varieties — 30 varieties, to be precise — some of them dating as far back as the 1500s. Some have interesting back stories that rival their appearance and flavor, while oth ..read more

Ask anyone who lives there — Boise, Idaho, is a one-of-a-kind place. The city of 235,000 people is an outdoor lover’s dream, with whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and beautiful forests all within a stone’s throw. “We’re really proud of our city,” said Lance Davisson, who serves as president and director of the area’s Treasure Valley Canopy Network. “We are very intentional about being a strong community, waving at our neighbors. It’s more than just a place to live to us. It’s a home, and it’s just an awesome place to live.” Among the things that make Boise special is its longstand ..read more

The best way to spruce up and add life to your yard or landscape is by planting a variety of trees and shrubs. There are many different varieties to choose from. Big or small, flowering trees are a great option to add visual interest. For some color and beauty, small flowering trees are a perfect addition that brings color, wildlife, and shade to your yard. Check out these small flowering trees that are ideal for smaller yards and spaces: 1. Purpleleaf Sand Cherry Prunus x cisterna This is a hardy flowering landscape tree species with reddish-purple foliage that keeps its unique color all su ..read more

This is a guest post provided by Matthew Browning, Assistant Professor in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management department at Clemson University. Dr. Browning's research is providing us with insight into how trees can help to lower healthcare costs. Many of us know — we feel — how essential nature is for our health and wellbeing. We seek fresh air, sunshine, birdsong, flowers, and leaves fluttering in the breeze. Such exposures to nature make us feel happy and alive. Scientists have quantified these positive impacts of nature on our health for decades. Roger Ulrich found people recove ..read more

Meet Lauren Marshall, Senior Manager, Program Innovation Lauren Marshall is one of the newest additions to the Arbor Day Foundation team. With experience in both rural and urban forestry, she brings important insights and expertise to the work the Foundation and our tree planting partners do every day. But these insights don’t only stem from the job titles she has held. Her passion for trees runs deep, having grown over the course of a lifetime. How It All Began Lauren grew up in suburban Washington, D.C. — the place where she first developed her connection to the natural world. Forest patche ..read more

Birds rely on trees for many things. Food. Shelter. Nesting material. Protection from predators. But did you know that forestland is also often critical for migratory birds? Today, World Migratory Bird Day, is a great reminder of just how much trees can support the wildlife we love. And the Mississippi Alluvial Valley is an excellent example of this. The Mississippi Alluvial Valley is a bottomland hardwood ecosystem along the Mississippi River. It is considered one of the most important critical wetland resources on the North American continent. This area also serves as vital habitat for migr ..read more

Bushes and shrubs tie a landscape together. Bushes provide a short hedge or screen, protect wildlife and give areas of your landscape privacy. Shrubs provide beautiful colors in the spring or the fall. Whatever bush or shrub you choose, your woody plants will help clean the air, protect the soil, and beautify your home. If you're eager to redesign your space check out these 10 fastest-growing shrubs that will transform your landscape with variety and color. 1. Blue Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko' The blue hydrangea is the image most of us conjure up in our heads when we think of hydr ..read more