Discover how simple steps can make a big impact on our environment and community at Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Arbor Day celebration. Scheduled 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 in the College Union Foyer, the event will include a tree planting, tree giveaway and fun for everyone.

Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872 in Nebraska. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as a symbol of life ─ many may think of the American elm, known as the Survivor Tree, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial that survived the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

During OCCC’s Arbor Day celebration, an Oklahoma Redbud, donated by TruGreen Landcare, will be planted at 2 p.m. outside of the Main Building, Entry 3. Additionally, Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm from southeast Edmond will give one special winner the choice of a mature forest pansy redbud, Oklahoma redbud or an autumn blaze maple tree.

Contest participants will guess the number of trees on OCCC campus. The closest guess to the actual number will win a tree. In the event of a tie, a drawing will determine the winner. The winner will then select their tree at Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm.

If luck isn’t on your side, but you still want to make a positive impact on the environment then pickup your very own free tree sapling donated by Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Forestry Services.

Informational booths will be abundant with tips on how to stay green, tree planting instructions, Arbor Day t-shirts, buttons and much more.

For more information about Arbor Day, visit /arbor-day and to tweet about Arbor Day, use the hashtag #oTREEplec.

To learn more about the history of Arbor Day, visit arborday.org/celebrate/history.cfm.