DNR Question a da week

[Lee Borgersen]

                       Question of the week

Q: What is Arbor Month?

A: While National Arbor Day is held on the last Friday in April, Minnesota is one of only a few states to also celebrate Arbor Month. May is Arbor Month in Minnesota, which gives us 31 days to celebrate trees, and it allows people in the northern part of our state to hold tree planting events once the ground has thawed.

This year's Arbor Month theme, Get your daily dose of trees for a healthy you and me, celebrates the health benefits of trees. Urban neighborhoods with more trees have lower childhood asthma rates because trees absorb and trap air pollutants and particles. Trees also have a natural calming effect, which helps relax and restore the mind. If you are feeling crabby or stressed out, a walk in the woods might be all the medicine you need. In other words, plant a tree this Arbor Month because it's good for your health. Visit www.mndnr.gov/arbormonth and watch our new video on how trees keep us healthy.