[Magdalen] Arbor Day.

[Cantor03 at aol.com]

It's Arbor Day in the USA (Last Friday in April).  No surprise that  the 
USA observance began in 1872 in Nebraska where trees are a relatively
rare phenomenon and tend to occur on riparian sites.  Trees grow  nicely
there, however, when they are planted and watered.occasionally.
 
Arbor Day is a world wide phenomenon, and in some places (including
Nebraska) it is a civic holiday.
 
Many states have tree planting programs, and that includes my home
State of Wisconsin.  Trees, heavily conifers, are literally given  away
by the millions each spring.
 
I took advantage of this giveaway several times when I lived in  Wisconsin,
and left behind quite a tree progeny for future generations to enjoy.
I recall, in particular, planting 1,000 Norway (Red) Pines (Pinus  resinosa)
along a strip of US 12 across the street from my home.  My son  helped
me, and the task was done in pouring rain - an ideal time to do the
planting, even if the planters get soaked.  These trees are now  50'
in height, and completely separate the noisy highway from the  homes
on the parallel cul de sac.  
 
In addition, I just planted trees constantly in both Wisconsin and here  in
Pennsylvania.  This includes, notably, Pin Oaks (Quercus  palustris)
on the Christ Church Cathedral property, and at the clinic where I
worked for 20 years, both in Eau Claire, WI
 
On the unusual side, I planted European Larches (Larix decidua) all  over
Eau Claire, and they now tower 60' and more.
 
I've written previously about my father's mania for planting Basswood
(American Linden/Tilia americana), and I guess it's just in my blood
 
David Strang.