Arbor Day in Edmonton

Arbor Day 2021

Remember the Arbor Day tree you planted? The City of Edmonton's Gord Cebryk does. On the trip back in time, Gord talked about the importance of Arbor Day, and of the importance of growing a city for the next generation.

Please send Arbor Day tree inquiries to rootfortrees@edmonton.ca.

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.

The Forestry section of the City of Edmonton wanted to create a very special day to learn about trees, so they took it one step further by creating a "tree-rific" day of learning and fun for Grade 1 students.

Edmonton’s Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the Friday prior to May 10.

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.

Check out these fun ideas to celebrate Arbor Day!

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.