FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2022
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declares Nov. 4, 2022, Texas Arbor Day
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring November 4, 2022, to be Texas Arbor Day.
“As Texans, we value our trees and the benefits they provide each of us every day,” Abbott said in the proclamation. “Benefits like clean air, clear water, improving our health and even saving us money on energy bills.”
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.
“This holiday for trees is an opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about stewardship of our natural resources, caring for our environment, and the positive impact being around trees and forests has on human health,” Abbott’s proclamation reads. “It is an opportunity to learn what each of us can do to keep our community trees healthy and vibrant. And it is a time we can pause to appreciate trees in our lives.”
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.
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Texas Arbor Day Proclamation
All across Texas, from towering pines to majestic oaks to lacey mesquites — the many trees of Texas are beautiful and prominent features of our unique and breathtaking landscape.
As Texans, we value our trees and the benefits they provide each of us every day. Benefits like clean air, clear water, improving our health and even saving us money on energy bills.
Under the Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service is at the heart of conserving forests and natural resources and protecting lives and property.
We encourage people in our communities to plant trees and celebrate them on the first Friday each November—Texas Arbor Day.
Texas first observed Arbor Day in 1889, under the leadership of the Texas Forestry Association.
This holiday for trees is an opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about stewardship of our natural resources, caring for our environment, and the positive impact being around trees and forests has on human health. It is an opportunity to learn what each of us can do to keep our community trees healthy and vibrant. And it is a time we can pause to appreciate trees in our lives.
Together, we can create a brighter and more beautiful future for the next generation. They, in turn, can affirm the duty of protecting our natural resources by being responsible stewards of this great land.
At this time, I encourage all Texans to recognize the tremendous value of forests and trees and to learn how we can all help conserve and protect this land. Together, we can create a brighter and more beautiful future for the next generation.
Therefore, I Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim November 4, 2022, to be Texas Arbor Day.
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Texas A&M Forest Service Contact:
Communications Office: 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu