The holiday is meant to encourage the planting of and caring for trees. Many states around the country also recognize the holiday.

The tree-honoring occasion originated in Nebraska City in 1872, founded by Nebraska City native and U.S. Agriculture Secretary J. Sterling Morton. An estimated 1 million trees were planted that day.

Nebraska City residents will be extending its celebration into the Saturday and Sunday, with tree giveaways, a parade, craft show, chili cook-off and commemorative tree plantings.