National Tree Planting Day (Central African Republic)

Celebrating the Green Majesty: National Tree Planting Day

Central African Republic is a country with a rich history of tree planting, and National Tree Planting Day, held on July 22, is a way to continue this tradition. This vibrantly verdant occasion invites us to delve into the realm of trees, bask in the beauty of nature, and ignite our passion for conservation.
So, get ready to hug trees like they’re your long-lost relatives, as we unravel the wonders of National Tree Planting Day!

The Majestic Trees of the Central African Republic

As we explore the splendor of National Tree Planting Day, it’s only fitting to acquaint ourselves with the remarkable trees that grace this diverse land.
From the towering giants of the rainforests to the sturdy savannah dwellers, the Central African Republic’s tree diversity is awe-inspiring, lending an enchanting allure to its landscapes. Some of the most common native trees include the shady but sweet mango, the picturesque baobab, the elegant and artistic ebony, and the ever-resilient acacia.
These majestic arboreal treasures not only provide shade and shelter but also play a vital role in supporting a vibrant ecosystem for both wildlife and humans alike.

The Origins of Central African Republic‘s National Tree Planting Day

National Tree Planting Day in the Central African Republic was created in 2006 by the government of the Central African Republic to raise awareness of the need tto address deforestation and promote sustainable practices in the region.
The first National Tree Planting Day was celebrated in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.

How National Tree Planting Day is celebrated in the Central African Republic

Traditionally, National Tree Planting Day is celebrated with various tree planting ceremonies, where participants enthusiastically come together to sow the seeds of a greener future. Communities gather in parks, gardens, and schools to engage in various tree-focused activities.
Schools often organize educational programs to instill environmental consciousness in young minds, while local communities organize festive gatherings with music, dance, and storytelling that celebrate the wonders of trees and their ecological significance.
From tree planting campaigns that bring life to barren landscapes to educational workshops that foster environmental consciousness, National Tree Planting Day is a celebration that brings together communities, organizations, and individuals who share a passion for preserving nature’s gifts.

Happy National Tree Planting Day!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and plant a tree, learn about trees, or simply appreciate the trees that are already around you.
And if anyone asks you why you are planting a group of huggable mango trees in your backyard, just say Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so.
May the beauty and significance of trees inspire us to be caretakers of our planet, fostering a greener and brighter future.
Happy National Tree Planting Day!

Arbor Days 101:

1594
The First Festival of the Tree (As Far As We Know)

According to historical records Major Luis de Luaces established the first Arbor Day in 1594 in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo.
This event was known as “Fiesta del Arbol” or “Festival of the Tree”.
In order to create the beautiful park known as Alameda de los Remedios, which is even now the pride of the village, numerous lime and horse-chestnut trees were planted.
And it was apparently not a yearly event, but the outcomes are still visible today, keeping the park luscious and green.

On a granite and bronze marker in the park, the Festival of the Tree is memorialized, thanking the Major for the event and stating the year it happened.
It is regarded as an early forerunner to present Arbor Day festivities and judging from the images of this park, it is well worth the effort because the little trees planted back that time are still thriving today.

1805
The first annual Arbor Day (Still Going Strong)

The first modern Arbor Day that is still celebrated in the present was celebrated in the little Spanish village of Villanueva de la Sierra in 1805.
Don Juan Abern Samtrés, a local priest, created the Festival of Trees (Fiesta del Arbol). Juan admired trees for their beauty, their purpose in nature and their value to the inhabitants.
He proclaimed a three-day carnival that began on Carnival Tuesday and lasted three days.
The festival’s main focus was tree planting. A poplar was first planted in the Valley of the Ejido, followed by many other trees at Fuente de la Mora and Arroyada. A feast and a dance event followed the planting activities.
Don Juan Abern Samtrés also authored a manifesto in support of the trees planted around Villanueva, as well as an urge to spread love and respect for nature and to maintain the custom of regularly planting trees.

This yearly Arbor Day celebration was very successful in boosting floral life in the places where it was observed and Arbor Day is still celebrated all throughout Spain (approximately) on Carnival Tuesday.

The Arbor Day That Became The Most Copied Arbor Day

Much like other US holidays, the US Arbor Day has been taken out of its regional context so often, because of the US’s hazy boundaries in pop culture, that it is celebrated both as “American” Arbor Day and as a world wide Arbor Day.
Julius Sterling Morton, a Nebraska newspaper editor and former Cleveland’s Secretary of Agriculture, established this Arbor Day on April 10, 1872.

This Arbor Day event also had a lasting luscious green influence, which can still be seen today in the form of a much greener Nebraska.
Julius Mortom’s mansion and estate in Nebraska City, the Arbor Lodge State Historical Site and Arboretum, is now a state park.
Fun fact: Julius also disliked cutting down healthy living trees for Christmas trees.

What Every Arbor Day is All About

Every self respecting Arbor Day, will have the following trait:

Focus on trees:
Arbor Days are focused on appreciating, protecting, and planting trees.
Celebration of nature:
Arbor Days celebrate the beauty and value of trees, encouraging individuals to practice sustainable lifestyles and form a bond with the natural realm.
Community involvement:
Through tree-planting activities, workshops and campaigns to promote ecological sustainability, Arbor Days generally inspire public participation.
Environmental awareness:
They spread the message about how important trees are for preventing global warming, improving air quality, conserving water and protecting ecosystems.

Ultimately, Arbor Days bring people together to work toward the common goal of maintaining biodiversity, a healthy environment and a greener future for generations to come.

#ArborDay