Arbor Day Farm is eager to celebrate the 141st anniversary of Arbor Day in 2013, the tree planter’s holiday, which started here in Nebraska City back in 1872. J. Sterling’s vision for a “holiday that proposes for the future” is alive and well in communities large and small, all over the world.

Here in Nebraska City, Arbor Day’s hometown, we’re planning lots of fun.

Special Activities at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City

Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure is open extended hours on Saturday & Sunday, April 27 & 28, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for youth (age 3-12).

Tree climbing is always a hit at Arbor Day Farm.

Special events for Arbor Day 2013 at the Tree Adventure attraction include tree climbing, cross-cut sawing competitions, Arbor Day Farm wine tasting, face painting, bubble making, live music and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Outdoor Family Fun Trailer.

During this special weekend celebration, Discovery Rides into the orchard and forest at Arbor Day Farm will depart at noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, April 27 & 28. We’re hoping for beautiful pink blossoms in the orchard by this time, so don’t miss your chance to see them up-close. Bring your camera! Discovery Ride tickets are $4 for adults; $3 for youth (age 3-12).

The Tree Adventure’s regular features are always available on every visit:
• Climb the 50-foot-high treehouse
• Hike the wooded trails.
• Solve mysteries in the Nature Explore Club Cabin.
• See the feature film, Trees in the Movies, where trees are the stars of the show
• Make music in the Nature Explore Classrooms
• Scramble up the 20-foot Spider Web

Also during your visit to Arbor Day Farm, be sure to stop and shop at the Apple House Market.  Choose from delicious food items, small gifts, home decor and Arbor Day Farm wines — the perfect souvenir from our own vineyards.

Download the Arbor Day Farm Celebration Flyer (PDF), which includes a map to find your way to all the special activities.

The mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City, Nebraska

Special Activities in the Nebraska City Community

The entire Nebraska City community takes great pride in being the birthplace of Arbor Day, and celebrations happen all over the city to mark this great event every year.

For the 2013 Arbor Day Celebration, the Nebraska City community has selected the theme of “Dig It, Plant It, Grow It.”

Nebraska City Arbor Day events include a 5k/10k run/walk, a parade, a chili cook-off, a home and garden show, and more activities for locals and visitors alike.  Download the Nebraska City Arbor Day schedule of events for complete details.

Regardless of how you celebrate Arbor Day, two simple words sum it up best: Plant Trees!

Love is in the Air: A Depot Proposal

May 30 by Maggie in Discovery Ride, Engagement Proposals, General, Weddings tagged Arbor Day Farm, Discovery Ride, engagement, love, Nebraska weddings, proposal with 2 comments

My little brother, Ted, proposed to his girlfriend of 5 years, Nicole, at Arbor Day Farm last week.  It was a wonderful evening!  Everything was made even more special by the trifecta of my involvement in the event: (1) I am Ted’s big sister, (2) I served as Ted’s top-secret proposal planning assistant, and (3) I am an employee of the Arbor Day Foundation.  I’m thrilled to have the chance to share the story with the readers of this blog.

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