As Earth Day just zoomed past us, you may be in a post-Earth-Week slump, but no worries, because we have a very important holiday just around the corner on Friday, April 29: Arbor Day! Yes! Two nature themed holidays in two weeks, a great time to be a living thing on Earth (no offense to any aliens or astronauts this article may reach). It’s okay if you forgot about Arbor Day after all this hype from Earth Day, but I guess it’s lucky you stumbled on this article (maybe the trees are trying to tell you something). Here are some fun ways to celebrate the Day of Arbor with friends, family and nature.
1. Hammock.
You’re literally hanging out with (between) trees. I don’t know how to make this any clearer. Climbing trees also works here.
2. Have a picnic.
What’s better than a BYOB (bring your own blanket) potluck? Tell all your friends a time and a location (the location has to be a tree though) and you’re set. Sit around, eat food, appreciate nature.
3. Plant a tree legally.
I’m not an official tree expert as much as my writing may deceive you, but I don’t think you can just go around planting trees willy-nilly wherever your heart desires. So, if planting a tree is something you are interested in, just do some research ahead of time. Don’t let your love of Earth land you in jail or with a hefty fine. All else fails, have a symbolic tree planting ceremony.
4. Do some yoga.
Work on your balance and show off your yogi skills by doing Tree Pose outside in the fresh air. And remember, yoga is not about being good. It's about doing your best, whatever that is. Fun fact: it is physically impossible for a tree to judge you, so this is a great time to try.
5. Get in touch with your younger self with some tree-inspired books.
Technically, most books are tree inspired being made out of paper which is made out of trees. But I’m talking about getting down to your roots (LOL) with some tree classics like "The Lorax" (this has been made into two different movies if that's more your scene) or "The Giving Tree."
6. Do some outdoor beautification.
I know this sounds awful, but, if you get some friends, some good tunes, and some good snacks, you could have a great time, and it could mean a lot to someone. Plant some flowers and clean up some litter because as a sign I once saw on the side of a highway said “NICE PEOPLE DON’T LITTER.”
During this magical time between Earth Day and Arbor Day, remember the reason for the season. We have this awesome Earth, and it has us, so let’s be particularly awesome to not only it, but all its trees, all of its critters, and even all of its people. Let the spirit of Arbor Day stay with you well through Shark Week (starting Sunday, June 26 this year) and on.
So however you choose to celebrate Arbor Day, have a great one.
P.S. You’re all invited to my picnic.
