Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Get ready to celebrate the incredible power of trees this Arbor Day! The Vallarta Botanical Garden invites everyone to a special day of activities on July 10th, designed to connect science, art, and nature in a truly inspiring way. This year’s celebration promises to be a memorable occasion, highlighting the crucial role these green giants play in sustaining life and enriching our planet.
Arbor Day, a day dedicated to encouraging tree planting, is observed globally, with its origins tracing back centuries. The world’s first documented tree plantation festival took place in 1594 in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo, where the mayor led efforts to plant lime and horse-chestnut trees that still stand today in Alameda de los Remedios. Later, in 1805, Villanueva de la Sierra, another small Spanish village, held the first modern Arbor Day thanks to the initiative of a local priest and the enthusiastic support of its residents.
The concept of Arbor Day gained significant traction in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed the idea to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture. This holiday was first observed with the planting of over a million trees in Nebraska, and its positive impact quickly spread worldwide. In Mexico, Día del Árbol was officially established in 1959 by President Adolfo López Mateos, decreeing its observance on the second Thursday of July each year.
This year’s festivities at the Vallarta Botanical Garden offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow awareness together. Attendees will have the chance to appreciate the diverse benefits trees provide, from offering shade and oxygen to sheltering countless species and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The day’s schedule includes:
• 10:00 am – Tour: Majestic Trees of the Vallarta Botanical Garden: Explore the garden’s impressive collection of trees and learn about their unique characteristics and ecological importance.
• 12:00 pm – Talk: The Importance of Urban Trees: Discover how trees contribute to the well-being of our communities, even in bustling city environments.
• 1:00 pm – Flower Art Workshop: Unleash your creativity and connect with nature through artistic expression.
Entry to this special event is free for members of the Vallarta Botanical Garden. For non-members, there will be a charge of $300 MXN per person. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the magnificent trees that make our world a better place!
Visit the internationally famous Vallarta Botanical Garden located just 30 minutes south of Old Town at Km. 24 on Highway 200 and easily accessible by public transportation and taxi. This 135 hectares wildlife preserve and botanical garden have something fun for everyone. Over 200 species of birds have been observed on the Garden’s grounds. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the jungle river. See plantings of vanilla, chocolate, and hundreds of other botanical delights! Authentic Mexican Cuisine is served in the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant from 10 am to 5 pm. The Garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays from April 1 to December 1). Garden admission is just $300 pesos. For more information, call (322) 223-6182 or visit vbgardens.org.
