November 3, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott declares Nov. 3, 2023, Texas Arbor Day
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 3, 2023, to be Texas Arbor Day.
“Trees in Texas play a vital role in our state’s economy and environment,” Governor Abbott said in the proclamation. “Not mere sights to behold, our trees provide shade against the Texas sun, control soil erosion, and produce fruit as well as our famous Texas pecans.”
Arbor Day in the United States began in Nebraska in 1872 when residents recognized the benefits of trees.
In Texas, Arbor Day first appeared in Temple on Feb. 22, 1889, when W. Goodrich Jones led a mass meeting to call for a tree planting campaign along the streets of the city. One year later, the first statewide observance of Arbor Day was held in Austin.
Today, the official Texas Arbor Day is held on the first Friday in November as a celebration of planting and nurturing trees and all the ways they enrich our lives and stabilize the environment.
Research has shown that trees boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and reduce stress, among other health benefits. Trees also contribute to the economy, with the state’s forest sector supporting more than 170,000 jobs. Timber ranks seventh among the state’s agricultural commodities.
“We must protect and preserve our heritage trees, and to this end, many men and women celebrate Texas Arbor Day each year by planting new trees,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage everyone to recognize the immense value of our trees and to preserve the treasure that is Texas by any means possible. By supporting conservation efforts, we will ensure a brighter, healthier, more beautiful future for generations to come.”
Arbor Day celebrations and events are planned across the state through Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture and others.
_______
Texas Arbor Day Proclamation
The beauty of Texas is renowned the world over, and our diverse landscapes are majestic panoramas. The splendid scenes of the Hill Country, the High Plains, and the Piney Woods are marked by unique varieties of trees that illustrate the grandeur of the Lone Star State.
Trees in Texas play a vital role in our state’s economy and environment. Not mere sights to behold, our trees provide shade against the Texas sun, control soil erosion, and produce fruit as well as our famous Texas pecans. Good stewardship of our natural resources makes our state more attractive and more prosperous.
We must protect and preserve our heritage trees, and to this end, many men and women celebrate Texas Arbor Day each year by planting new trees. At this time, I encourage everyone to recognize the immense value of our trees and to preserve the treasure that is Texas by any means possible. By supporting conservation efforts, we will ensure a brighter, healthier, more beautiful future for generations to come.
Therefore, I Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim November 3, 2023, to be Texas Arbor Day in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
###
Texas A&M Forest Service Contact:
Communications Office: 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu