Sustainability through service : an annual Arbor Day community service event

Abstract

Sterling Morton first proposed Arbor Day in the state of Nebraska in 1872. Over the last 140 years the holiday has spread not only across the United States, but also around the globe. Arbor Day is a unique celebration, which has always focused on future generations rather than the past (Lehman, 2009). Presently, sustainability is widely recognized as an overarching theme in American society. Establishment of an Annual Arbor Day community service event at Ball State University represents the University's commitment to not only the current surrounding community members, but also to those of future generations. The following includes a brief history of Arbor Day and an examination of how it is currently celebrated globally, nationally and regionally. FurthelTI1ore, the primary focus of this project was solidifying an Annual Arbor Day community service event for Ball State University students. An environmentally focused community service event promotes sustainability through service to others. Upon completion of securing an Annual Arbor Day event, the University faculty and students can now focus on achieving the distinction of becoming a Tree Campus USA ("Tree Campus", n.d.).