J. Sterling Morton Founder of Arbor Day
Monroe's Sterling Morton Home at the NW corner of Fifth and Washington Streets
Historical Marker in front of Morton Home
J. Sterling Morton was appointed Nebraska's territorial Secretary of State from 1858-1861 and served as the acting territorial governor from 1858-1859. To maintain a prairie periodic wildfires are needed. While the native peoples benefited from the fires in maintaining a grazing habitat, the white settlers including Morton saw a need for trees to make the territory fit for white civilization.
It is noted that in Monroe County, it is not necessary to plant trees for the sake of having trees because they propigate on their own. Schoolchildren and their teachers are confused on this fact in many cases. Likewise, the arbor day foundation appears to tenaciously claim arbor day -- in the writers opinion, anytime you get a board formed, they jump on an idea for their self preservation like a rooster on a June bug.
Silver maple may be native to this area as a medium sized tree found along the banks of water bodies and floodplains. The silver maple is not found in mature forests because it is crowded out by desirable trees such as oaks. Although it is a trash tree or actually a dangerous tree, It is often planted as an ornamental due its fast growth, fine foliage and fall color. Suseptibility to ice and snow breakage, internal hidden rotting, and invasive rooting tendencies make its use in urban settings undesirable.
Links:
USDA Excellent for Student Activities
The Morton Arboretum & Library
Morton's Political Activity in The Nebraska Territory which Lacked Trees
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