Arbor Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance for all of us to roll up our sleeves and make a real difference. Every year, people worldwide come together to plant trees, and for good reason: trees are like superheroes for our planet. They clean the air we breathe, provide homes for birds and animals, and even help fight climate change. Whether you’re planting a sapling in your backyard or joining a community event, every tree counts.
植树节不只是一个日子，更是我们亲手创造美好的机会。每年此时，全球人们都会种下一棵棵树——因为树木就像地球的守护者。它们净化空气，为鸟兽安家，还能对抗气候变化。无论你在后院种下一株幼苗，还是参与社区活动，每棵树都意义非凡。
Think about this: a single tree can give enough oxygen for a family to breathe. It also absorbs harmful gases, making the air healthier for everyone. Trees cool down cities during hot summers, saving energy and money. They even stop soil from washing away during heavy rains, protecting farms and villages. But here’s the problem—we’re losing trees faster than we’re planting them. Forests are shrinking, and that hurts animals, people, and the Earth itself. Arbor Day reminds us to turn this around.
一棵树，足以供一家人呼吸；它吸收有害气体，让空气更清新。炎夏时，树木为城市降温，节约能源；暴雨中，它们守护土壤，保护农田与村庄。但如今，树木消失的速度远超种植。森林缩小，动物、人类和地球都在承受代价。植树节，正是我们扭转困境的起点。
Planting a tree is something anyone can do. Schools, offices, and neighborhoods often organize group activities, turning a simple act into a celebration. When we plant trees together, we’re not just digging holes—we’re building friendships, teaching kids about nature, and creating green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Imagine what we could achieve if everyone joined in.
种树，人人皆可为。学校、公司和社区常组织集体活动，让简单的行动变成节日。一起种树，不仅能增进感情、教会孩子热爱自然，还能创造人人共享的绿意。若人人参与，我们能成就更多。
But trees need more than just one day of attention. To keep our planet green, we must care for trees year-round. Choose native plants for your garden—they’re tough and need less water. Support groups that protect forests. Even small actions matter, like recycling paper or choosing eco-friendly products. Governments and companies have a big role too, like stopping illegal logging and investing in green projects. China’s efforts to plant billions of trees in northern regions show how big changes start with a plan.
但树木需要的不仅是一天的关注。守护绿色星球，需全年用心。在花园种植本地树种——它们生命力强，更节水。支持护林组织，回收纸张、选择环保产品，小事也能聚沙成塔。政府与企业同样责任重大：打击非法砍伐、投资绿色项目。中国北方的“绿色长城”计划，便是用行动证明改变的可能。
This Arbor Day, let’s think bigger. Trees aren’t just about the environment—they’re about our future. A tree you plant today might shade a playground in 10 years, or feed a family with its fruits. It’s a gift to the next generation. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to care. Grab a shovel, gather your friends, and get your hands dirty. Together, we can grow forests of hope.
今年植树节，让我们看得更远。树木不仅关乎环境，更关乎未来。今天种下的树，十年后或许撑起一片树荫，或结出供人可口的果实。这是馈赠后代的礼物。无需专业技巧，只需一颗热忱的心。拿起铲子，呼朋引伴，亲手种下希望。
Remember, every tree tells a story. Yours could be part of a healthier, happier world. Let’s make it happen—one tree at a time.
每棵树都在诉说故事，而你的故事，将汇入一个更健康、更美好的世界。从一棵树开始，让我们共同书写未来。
Author:Jiang Bingbing
Date:March 12, 2025
