Arbor Day first began in Nebraska in 1872.  It was founded by J. Sterling Morton, who proposed a tree planting holiday. During the first Arbor Day, prizes were awarded to individuals and counties within Nebraska that could properly plant the most amount of trees. It was estimated that, within the state, over a million trees were planted.

The tradition was continued on September 7, 2017, by F.E. Warren Air Force Base Homes. During the celebration, several trees were planted by Balfour Beatty Communities within Peacekeeper Heights and speeches were given to promote the importance of trees and plant life within the ecosystem.

F.E. Warren is a member of the Tree City USA program offered in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation.  The initiative is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public tree system.

“2017 is the 145th anniversary of Arbor Day and Francis E. Warren AFB’s 29th consecutive year of participation in the Tree City USA program,” said Lt. Col. Erin Weatherly, 90th Civil Engineering Squadron commander. “Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”

Nationwide there are 3,400 communities that have made the commitment and entered Tree City USA. Programs must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

“The recognition of the base in the commissioning of the trees planted during this event is a great thing,” said 1st Lt. Allen Sparkman, 90th Civil Engineering Squadron deputy flight chief. “Trees mean so much to the people that live and work on F.E. Warren.”