On Arbor Day, people plant trees, recycle newspapers, donate money to environmental groups, hike, sign petitions, and teach others about the importance of trees and forests. Arbor Day was started by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It has increased in popularity and now many cities celebrate Arbor Day with tree planting ceremonies and other activities. School children read books about trees, complete holiday art projects, and go on field trips.