About Arbor Day

The first Arbor Day in the City of Edmonton was recognized in 1893. In the early 1950’s the City of Edmonton began a tradition of distributing evergreen seedlings to all Grade 1 students. Soon the Province of Alberta began providing seedlings to all Grade 1 students in the entire province and the tradition continues today. Students plant their seedlings and celebrate the great gifts trees provide.

Edmonton’s Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the Friday prior to May 10th. Other cities and countries celebrate on different days in the spring.

For more information, please visit the Arbor Day Foundation – Tree Canada and the US National Arbor Day Foundation.

Did you know?

  • Each year about 15,000 children receive seedlings in Edmonton
  • The first Arbor Day was held in Nebraska City in 1872 and an estimated 1 million trees were planted

Read more about who started Arbor Day and why.

Arbor Day Tree Stories

Many Edmonton children grew up with their Arbor Day trees right in their front yard. Some people even moved their trees when the family moved to a new house! Read some local Arbor Day tree stories and share your own.