Cleaner air, shadier streets, and more attractive communities. What’s not to love about trees? For more than 150 years, Americans have demonstrated their appreciation of trees through annual Arbor Day celebrations. Kicking off April 10, 1872 with widespread public support, the first Arbor Day resulted in an estimated one million trees planted throughout the Nebraskan plains. When news of the event spread, schools and cities across America adopted the annual tree-planting holiday.

With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Mercer Botanic Gardens is a Harris County Precinct 4 Parks facility located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 77338. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone seeking additional information or requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net. Visit Mercer online at www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer.

Mercer’s first Holiday in the Gardens celebration kicks off Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with music, food, crafts, shopping, and more. This family-friendly event offers events and activities for every age group. Adults can shop the holiday market and winter plant sale while children can enjoy crafts, face painting, and a visit from Santa.