This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Last weekend we celebrated Earth Day, that one day a year with widespread recognition, celebration and activities focused on the environment. This Friday, the last Friday in April, is national Arbor Day, lesser known but longer lived.

Earth Day was founded in 1970, Arbor Day in 1872.

In this time of hyperpolarized U.S. politics, even the most elemental environmental action — the simple act of planting a tree — threatens powerful partisans who lump all environmental efforts together as a threat to all business. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Research shows trees are the only part of urban infrastructure that actually appreciate in value while all the rest depreciates. Beautification gains recognition, but we plant for economic, social and environmental benefits.

Master scientist and two-time Pulitzer-winning author Edward O. Wilson notes that the No. 1 threat to plant and animal life is the loss of habitat. As small towns everywhere experience unprecedented growth with buildings, blacktop and concrete, what is to become, then, of the habitat of our own species? What might we do today to bring people together and begin to heal the fabric of society?

The environment's wisdom has long been evident to the culture of Zen masters. Now there's even scientific evidence supporting eco-therapy.

Since the founding of Arbor Day nearly a century ago, our society has migrated intensely. Back then, the majority of people lived in rural areas. Today nearly 80 percent of Americans live in urbanized areas, a compelling case for greening the "heat islands" of cities and towns that are significantly warmer than rural areas.

In 1988, I was an editor at The Tribune who wanted to change the world in a noncontroversial way. As population-growth charts turned to vertical trajectories, I sought doable, simple solutions. So I founded TreeUtah to green cities and towns and teach environmental care through tree planting and stewardship education.

I thought it was a no-brainer, kind of like asking the question, "Oxygen, good or bad?" The idea was to create something inherently good that could figuratively and literally grow, a nonprofit organization that anyone could support regardless of political leaning.

That passion-driven project still exists today, and for TreeUtah, every day is Earth Day. The mission remains the same: To improve Utah's quality of life for present and future generations by enhancing the environment through tree planting, stewardship and education.

TreeUtah turns 30 next year with a new board chair, Maura Olivos, and a new executive director, Amy May. Olivos is the sustainability specialist and ecologist for Alta Ski Area. May fell in love with Utah in 1996, and has called it home ever since. She is passionate about the environment, ecology and bringing community together.

So I write to remind Utahns to take responsibility for the beautiful land they call home. Dollar for dollar, there is no better investment in the urban environment than planting and caring for "green infrastructure."

We tend to not see the forest for the trees during times of upheaval, but trees don't relate to war or politics. What on Earth is left to fight about or defend if somehow, someday we recognize peace as the ultimate investment for long-term profit?

Trees, the ultimate metaphor for peace, provide perks for a lifetime. When you plant a tree, you plant a legacy.

Pepper Provenzano, the founder of TreeUtah and TreeLink, was born on Arbor Day, April 28. An editor at The Salt Lake Tribune from 1980 to 2000, he lives and writes in Utah and Arizona.