Submitted Photo The American Elm is the North Dakota State Tree, shown in this North Dakota Forest Service photo by Mary O’Neill. North Dakota observes Arbor Day on Friday.

Friday is Arbor Day, a day to celebrate all of the wonderful benefits that trees provide by remembering to take some time to plant, care or maintain a tree, according to the North Dakota Forest Service.

“Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the first Friday of May in North Dakota. In 2020, we invite people to plant a tree as a symbol of resilience and hope. A tree planted today can enhance the quality of life for present and future generations,” said State Forester Thomas Claeys.

Trees add beauty to the landscape and provide a calming effect for humans and can reduce stress and fatigue. Trees provide shade which can reduce cooling and heating costs for your home. Trees moderate climate, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.

In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed the first Arbor Day in Nebraska. Ten years later, tree enthusiasts in North Dakota began celebrating Arbor Day. In 1945, the North Dakota Legislature officially adopted Arbor Day as a state holiday.

If an Arbor Day celebration is not being held, here are a few other ways to celebrate Arbor Day:

— Take a walk in your neighborhood and enjoy trees in your community.

— Plant a tree in your yard.

— Make a craft from items that you can gather from a tree, such as leaves, twigs, spruce or pine cones, etc.

— Pick up litter on your street.

— Have a family picnic in your backyard.