DeKalb's First Arbor Day Celebration, DeKalb, Illinois, winner of one of three 1999 Celebration Awards for programs that best represent the spirit of the tree planters' holiday. Through various events involving area schools and Girl Scouts, many seedlings were planted and 28,000 trees were given away over a two-day period to promote environmental stewardship. The Missouri Department of Conservation's “Arbor Week Activity Guide”, winner of a 1999 Celebration Award. The new guide was developed after a year of work by teachers and foresters, and offers five days of cross-curricular activities that teach students about trees and forestry. Part of a state-wide program that reaches almost 130,000 students and teachers each year, the guide addresses science and math skills, as well as social studies, physical education, language arts, music, and art. Ted Nugent of Jackson, Michigan, winner of the third 1999 Celebration Award. Nugent is a well known environmentalist as well as a rock musician who has sold 30 million albums. In encouraging tree planting and environmental stewardship, he gives more than 10,000 trees to Detroit schools each year and promotes Arbor Day on his Detroit-based radio show. In addition, each Arbor Day he invites children, parents, and area educators to his ranch for a day of learning through a nature walk and hands-on tree planting experience. Leaders in tree planting and environmental stewardship from around the country and world were honored by The Arbor Day Foundation at its 27th annual Arbor Day Awards celebration held in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 1, 1999. Award winners are recognized for their leadership in the cause of tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship. The awards ceremony was part of the annual Arbor Day weekend celebration held in Nebraska City from April 30 - May 2. |