Today (Friday) marks Arbor Day, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging Iowans to take a moment this weekend to reflect on the value of the state’s trees and forests. Trees provide numerous benefits, such as cleaning the air and water, conserving soil and energy resources, providing wildlife habitat, and creating a more pleasant place to live and work. This year, Arbor Day celebrations encourage Iowans to participate in conservation efforts, such as tree plantings, identification workshops, scavenger hunts, and much more. The first official Arbor Day was hosted in Nebraska in 1874 and has spread nationwide and worldwide. Links to Arbor Day-related resources are included below.
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Common Urban Tree Identification Sheet