Connecticut's Arbor Day is set for the last Friday in April, which this year is April 26. J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day in 1872 in his home state of Nebraska, saying, "Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future."

This year at the end of April a group of community organizations is joining together to invite residents to plant new trees and shrubs at Cross Lots Preserve and other open spaces in town. At the same time, residents can learn from demonstrations and families can enjoy a variety of special activities. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

The objective of the Arbor Day celebration is to create community awareness for Arbor Day to promote the role of trees in supporting a healthy outdoor environment benefiting everyone. Participating this year are Essex Land Trust, Essex Garden Club, Essex Elementary School, the Park & Recreation Commission, Brownie Troop 62029, Rotary Club, and Tree Warden Augie Pampel. Support comes from Landscape Specialties, Fred Weber & Associates, Riggio's Garden Center, and the Rockfall Foundation. First Selectman Norman Needleman has issued an Arbor Day proclamation.

On Friday, April 26 at 12:45 p.m., rain or shine, the Essex Elementary School

3rd graders and the school's Green Team will plant a magnolia tree. Tree Warden Augie Pampel will provide instruction on how to plant trees. Funds to purchase the tree-$202-were raised from the sale of the 3rd graders' hand-designed recycling bags. The Essex Land Trust will be matching this amount. A student will explain the history of Arbor Day and all 3rd graders will receive a free white pine tree seedling donated by the Essex Land Trust.

On Saturday, April 27 there is a series of events planned. All will take place rain or shine. At 9 a.m. at Cross Lots Preserve, the Essex Land Trust will continue its efforts to place new trees in Cross Lots as part of "succession planting," with the placement of three tupelo trees along the east edge of the lower meadow. Brownie Troop 62029 will assist with the planting as part of a Brownie Quest project. Pampel will explain the techniques involved in a successful planting, from how to prepare the tree and roots and how big the hole should be to final mulching and watering advice. A free copy of Tree Owner's Manual for the Northeastern United States will be handed out. Refreshments will be provided. There will be a raffle of flowering bush donated by Riggio's Garden Center.

At 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Bushnell Street and Teal Lane, the Park & Recreation Commission will be honoring former commissioner Jack Spangler with the planting of a white oak in his memory. At 10:30 a.m. at 41 Main Street, the Essex Garden Club will conduct its annual tree planting, this year of a Valley Forge elm, and at

11:30 a.m. at Teal Lane, the Rotary Club donation of a white oak tree to the town's street tree program will be planted.