The First Arbor Day

Worksheet Description

This Arbor Day worksheet is a creative and educational tool that combines a brief history lesson with an art activity. The worksheet informs students about the origins of Arbor Day, crediting Julius Morton, a Nebraskan who believed his state needed more trees. It details how Morton, as a member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture, established the first Arbor Day, during which over a million trees were planted.

The lower portion of the worksheet encourages students to visualize history by drawing a picture of the first Arbor Day, fostering both imagination and historical empathy. This activity allows students to connect with the past in a personal and creative way. Additionally, a word bank is provided with terms such as “trees,” “plant,” “agriculture,” “conserve,” “preserve,” and “grow,” which students can use to fill in the blanks in the sentences above or to inspire their drawing. By engaging with this worksheet, students not only learn about the importance of trees and the legacy of Arbor Day but also practice language arts skills and artistic expression.