Every minute. Every day. missoulian.com Teachers A teachers aid for the World of Wonder page is available at missouliantech.com/wonder Proud partner in Community Education Presents C8 - Missoulian, Monday, April 22, 2013 Norway maple 60-70 feet (18-21m) Native to Europe Sweet gum 150 feet (46m) Native to eastern United States Pitch pine 80 feet (25m) Native to eastern United States Sweet chestnut 100 feet (30m) Native to Europe and North Africa Black locust 80 feet (24m) Native to eastern and midwestern United States Arbor Day LEARN ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY IN THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF WORLD OF WONDER © 2013 Triefeldt Studios, Inc. Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS At a bookstore near you: Two full-color World of Wonder compilations: “Plants & Animals” and “People & Places.” By Helen Driggs Tulip tree 70-100 feet (21-30m) Native to eastern North America Quaking aspen 100 feet (30m) Native to North America Sweet buckeye 50-90 feet (15-27m) Native to south- eastern United States American holly 40-50 feet (12-15m) Native to eastern United States Eastern hemlock 100 feet (30m) Native to north- eastern United States and Canada Pin oak 80 feet (25m) Native to northeastern United States Weeping willow 35-50 feet (11-15m) Native to China Sitka spruce 262 feet (80m) Native to north- western North America Celebrate the benefits of trees by planting one – or more Japanese arborvitae 65 feet (20m) Native to central Japan Trees are not just beautiful to look at but also provide many benefits. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen — act- ing as natural air filters. Trees improve biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife. The roots of trees help prevent soil erosion. Trees can help prevent drought — they slow water runoff after heavy rainfalls and help to recharge underground aquifers. The shade of trees may help keep you and your home cooler. And in winter, trees can block the wind, helping to keep you warmer. Trees are also good for you. (Hospital patients recover more quickly when they have a view of trees.) The Latin word “arbor” means tree, and Arbor Day was created to encourage in- dividuals and groups to plant trees. Arbor Day began in Nebraska City, Neb., on April 10, 1872, with an estimated 1 million trees planted on that day. J. Sterling Morton cre- ated the first Arbor Day, and today, many countries observe a similar holiday accord- ing to the best time to plant trees in that country. In the U.S., the national holiday is celebrated on the last Friday in April. The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s oldest tree-planting organization, began in 1972. Its mission is “to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.” The foundation is supported by donations, by selling trees and merchandise, and by corporate sponsors. It encourages com- munities across the U.S. to become “Tree Cities.” Communities that want to become “Tree Cities” must meet the following guide- lines: • Establish a tree department or board. • Enact an official ordinance for tree care. • Have a tree program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. • Embrace Arbor Day observances and proclamations. Douglas fir 200-300 feet (61-91m) Native to western North America World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc.; www.arborday.org