April 6th, 2026 By Carol Britton Meyer
The select board issued two proclamations Tuesday night – one in recognition of Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 24.
“The Town of Hingham as part of the global community is participating in Earth Day 2026 and recognizes the environmental challenges faced by all peoples” and that the town “must step forward and take action to create positive environmental changes that will support the management and care of our environment,” the proclamation states. “Environmental education along with awareness helps the citizens of Hingham develop the concern and skills to address the environmental challenges we face.”
In recognition of today’s environmental challenges, trees will be planted as a symbol of the town’s commitment to “the good stewardship of all that is entrusted to [the town’s] care.”
The proclamation also contains a pledge that the Town of Hingham support environmental and educational initiatives in the community that encourage others to take similar actions.
In recognition of Arbor Day, the proclamation explains its history. In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska and is now observed throughout the nation and world.
Trees can reduce the erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife.
They are also a renewable resource, providing paper, wood for homes, fuel for fires, and many other wood products.
The proclamation also states that “trees in Hingham increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Wherever they are planted, they are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”
The Town of Hingham, which has been recognized as a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation and “desires to continue its tree-planting ways,” urges all citizens to support efforts to protect the town’s trees and woodlands, support the town’s forestry program, and to plant trees to “gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of present and future generations.”