Signs, signs everywhere are signs…

Blocking up the scenery, breaking my mind…

Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the signs??

So I made Dave stop on the bridge, just past the mighty Missouri River so I could get out in the pouring rain and stand ankle deep in rushing water by the “Welcome to Nebraska” sign.  Dave took the picture, gave me the thumbs up and I got back into the car. I immediately began to crop the picture so the welcome sign was front and center. As I whittled away at the picture, I noticed the saying on the bottom of the sign, “Home of Arbor Day.”

ARBOR DAY!!!  I know Arbor Day! But I never connected it with Nebraska.

So here is your history lesson for the day:

J. Sterling Morton and his wife were pioneers who, like many others, moved to the Nebraska Territory in 1854. They were lovers of nature. Morton eventually became the editor of Nebraska’s finest newspaper. He used that forum to spread enthusiasm for trees and for the environment.

Settlers in the Nebraska territory with its vast open plains needed trees as wind breaks to keep the soil in place and for shade from the hot Nebraska sun.  

On January 4th, the state board of Agriculture agreed that a  tree planting holiday should be celebrated in Nebraska.

As I embark on my journey to the big trees, I will pay more attention to all the signs along the way.