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Arbor Day Celebration
Arbor Day Celebration
April 11, 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Arbor Day represents hope for the future. The act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty — all for a better tomorrow.
Nebraska City, NE, is the official birthplace of the Arbor Day holiday, where the first celebration took place on April 10, 1872; however, communities around the globe gather every year to celebrate trees and plant for a greener tomorrow.
Join The North Carolina Arboretum on Saturday, April 11, to honor the value and various roles that trees play in our lives and in our ecosystems, and learn how to protect and nurture the trees in your yard and community.
April 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Celebrate Arbor Day with a full day of nature-based activities, learning, and community connection at The North Carolina Arboretum. This annual event brings together families, nature enthusiasts, and community partners to highlight the importance of trees in Western North Carolina’s ecosystems and ongoing reforestation efforts.
Event Highlights
- North Carolina Tree of the Year Announcement
Be part of the official proclamation of the Serviceberry as the 2026 North Carolina Tree of the Year, followed by a ceremonial tree planting in the Arboretum’s Bird Friendly Garden. - Ceremonial Tree Planting
Join us at noon for a special planting that celebrates the ecological and cultural importance of native trees. - Free Tree Giveaway
Take home a tree of your own (while supplies last), along with care instructions to help it thrive. - Guided Walks and Tours
Explore the Arboretum with guided tree identification walks, forest ecology tours, and trail experiences led by experts. - Exhibits and Demonstrations
Connect with local organizations and partners working in forestry, conservation, and sustainability across the region. - Family-Friendly Activities
Enjoy hands-on activities and nature exploration for children and families, hosted by ecoEXPLORE and Arboretum educators.
Event Schedule
10:00 a.m: The NC Arboretum Reforestry Plan Presentation, Ecoforesters- Combined Classrooms
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m: Exhibit tabling; tree giveaway (while supplies last) – In front of Education Center
11:00 a.m: Tree Identification Walk with Lauren Lampley – Meet on Veranda
12:00 p.m: Tree of the Year Proclamation & remarks; Ceremonial tree planting at Bird Friendly Garden
1:00 p.m: Forest Ecology Walk with Ecoforesters – Meet on Veranda
1:00 p.m: Guided Trail Tours – Meet at Baker Visitor Center
2:00 p.m: NC State Landscape Architecture Student Liliana Teta – The Bald as Memory: Post-storm Healing in a Historic Forestry Landscape- Combined Classrooms
This event is open to all—families, gardeners, educators, and anyone interested in trees, conservation, and the natural beauty of our region. Whether you’re planting your first tree or deepening your knowledge of native species, Arbor Day at the Arboretum offers something for everyone. Come celebrate, learn, and grow with us.
This event is part of Spring Into the Arb! Celebrate the return of spring with a series of events and happenings throughout March, April, May and June! Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, art and more!