Ameritas associates celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees at local elementary

Ameritas associates got their hands dirty while planting trees at Robinson Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, April 25. In recognition of Arbor Day, the special event was a community effort between Ameritas, the Arbor Day Foundation, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Forestry program, and fourth and fifth graders at Robinson Elementary School.

The event saw the planting of 150 trees in a newly developed area in need of tree canopy.

Dedicated to planting and celebrating trees, Arbor Day brings awareness to the importance of trees and their environmental, economic, social and health benefits. It has a special connection to Nebraska. Celebrated on the last Friday of April each year, Arbor Day began thanks to the efforts of J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska City-based journalist and politician. He recognized the importance of trees and the need for them on the largely treeless plains of Nebraska. The very first Arbor Day saw the planting of over one million trees in Nebraska and continues to inspire everyone to plant trees each year.

An appreciation for Arbor Day

Dana Summers, marketing, community relations and communications intern at Ameritas was one of the associates who volunteered her time to help plant trees. She says that she has always had a deep appreciation for Arbor Day as a Nebraskan.

“I have always had a deep appreciation for Arbor Day and the work that the Arbor Day Foundation does to create greener, healthier communities. Volunteering at this event felt like a natural way to give back while supporting something I care about,” said Summers. “Being there and seeing young students learn about the value of trees and the role they play in our environment was meaningful.”

Volunteers and local tree experts were present to educate elementary school students about the importance of trees. Local families and students also had the opportunity to take home a free tree sapling.

“It was inspiring to see so many organizations come together to make this event happen,” Summers said. “It’s exciting to think about the long-term impact this will have not just on the environment, but on the kids who will now feel connected to something bigger than themselves.”

Visit Ameritas’ community impact page to learn more about what giving back means to us.