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CONNECTICUT TREE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
ARBOR DAY ESSAY CONTEST

See the 2011 Arbor Day Essay Contest Winners!

Each year, CTPA asks fifth graders throughout the state if they would like to write a poem or an essay on the theme of "what is my favorite tree and why?".  2010 is the 18th year in which we have hosted this contest.  Details regarding how teachers can enter their students writings can be found in the above flyer.  We hope to receive many amazing entries again this year!

This Arbor Day Essay Contest is offered in an effort to enhance public awareness of the importance of trees and tree care. Young people often have an intuitive appreciation of the value of trees. We are asking them to share that with us in honor of Arbor Day.

Download the 2011 Arbor Day Essay Contest Flyer

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

    Fifth grade students from across the state.

HOW DO I ENTER?

    Applications are accepted through the school. Each Fifth grade class is invited to submit 3 short essays (200 words or less) or poems on the theme of "What is my favorite tree and why?"

Fifth grade class teachers should send their students' essays or poems to CTPA, 58 Old Post Road, PO Box 356, Northford CT, 06472 by March 30, 2005

HOW MANY WINNERS ARE SELECTED?

    Entrees are reviewed and a winning essay or poem is selected from each of Connecticut's eight counties.

WHAT WILL THE WINNERS RECEIVE?

THE HISTORY OF ARBOR DAY

Arbor Day originated and was first observed in Nebraska in 1872. J. Sterling Morton, an Easterner by birth, is generally recognized as the father of Arbor Day in this country.

Mr. Morton was a member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture when he conceived his plan for Arbor Day. During the January 4, 1872 meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, Mr. Morton introduced a resolution to the effect that Wednesday, April 10, 1872, be set aside for tree planting in the State of Nebraska and be named Arbor Day.

Tree planting had been haphazard prior to 1872. The Arbor Day plan introduced the concept of organized tree planting work. More than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on that first Arbor Day.

Another conservationist, Dr. Birdsey Northrup, is credited with promoting Arbor Day as an annual event in schools all over the United States. A native of Kent, Connecticut, Dr. Northrup was also the sole motivating force behind the creation of Arbor Day in Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada.

The last Friday of April in each year is observed in Connecticut as Arbor Day. On this day schools and civic organizations commemorate the numerous benefits provided by trees with tree plantings and tree awareness programs.

Bill Perssonatti and the Lt. Governor listen to a winning essay. 1998 Arbor Day Ceremony

For further details, please contact the CT Tree Protective Association:

CTPA
PO Box 356
Northford, CT 06472
(203) 484-2512
e-mail Chris Donnelly
e-mail Rita Smith

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