Julius Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day, once said, “Each generation takes the earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed.”Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.This year, Arbor Day is celebrated today across the U.S. While many of us understand trees are valuable, we may not know or understand all the positive impacts trees offer. The Arbor Day Foundation has compiled some interesting facts about the benefits of trees in our lives and our communities:

— The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture states.

— If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in five years your energy bills should be 3 percent less. In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12 percent, according to the Center for Urban Forest Research.

— Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent, according to Management Information Services/ICMA.

— One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

— There are about 60 million to 200 million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs, according to the National Wildlife Federation

— Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 percent to 50 percent in energy used for heating, the USDA Forest Service states.

— Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent, according to The Arbor Day Foundation.

— The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams, according to the USDA Forest Service.

— In laboratory research, by Dr. Roger S. Ulrich at Texas A&M University, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.

In honor of Arbor Day and in celebration of our community’s trees, here are some suggested ways to celebrate Arbor Day.

— Plant a tree.

— Send thank you cards, notes of appreciation, gifts or even just a phone call to show your appreciation to Tree Board members in the community.

— Choose a public park or downtown area to clean up.

— If possible, go the entire day without using paper. Take whatever measures you can to reduce your paper usage daily all year long.

— Choose your favorite tree in town and spend some time enjoying it.

Trees are vital to our community and our personal wellbeing. They are not only beautiful, but they have many benefits. This year, celebrate Arbor Day in a special way.

Arbor Day celebrates a brighter future with more trees, so also keep in mind ways you can care for the trees in the community, reduce your paper usage and promote a healthier, cleaner environment year-round.

It’s our generations responsibility, as Morton said, to replenish and offer more for future generations.