By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

With mounting evidence regarding global warming and climate change, Earth Day recognition is gaining more attention every year since it started 38 years ago.

Tuesday will mark the 38th anniversary of Earth Day — an annual celebration designed to remind people about the importance of the environment and humans' impacts on it.

One way area residents recognize Earth Day, along with the upcoming Arbor Day on Friday, is planting trees.

Leading the way in tree planting in the area is the Central Platte Natural Resources District, which is headquartered in Grand Island.

Kelly Cole, Central Platte NRD programs coordinator, said the NRD sold approximately 60,000 trees this year.

Cole said the NRD will be doing 42 plantings this year.

"With the recent rains, landowners are encouraged to start planting their trees," Cole said.

As part of the NRD's Arbor Day observation, Marcia Lee, NRD information/education specialist, said the NRD will delivered 1,000 Norway spruce seedlings to Barr Middle School and Howard, Knickrehm, Shoemaker and Starr elementary schools in Grand Island.

Other area schools that will get trees are Doniphan-Trumbull, Aurora Elementary, Gibbon, Kearney Senior High, Centura, Ravenna, Chapman, Amherst, Elm Creek, Overton, Lexington, Twin River and one home school.

Lee said the NRD purchases the seedlings from the Arbor Day Foundation. Each seedling is package with a tent card with planting instructions.

"The NRD's Arbor Day Program continues to grow. Planting a tree is a great way for students to make a connection with nature and to learn about their environment," Lee said.