Arbout Day, a secular holiday dedicated to the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, is a global reminder of the vital role nature plays in urban environments. The holiday was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and nature lover who believed that trees would serve as effective windbreaks, provide fuel and lumber for settlers. The first Arbor Day was successful and spread to other states, becoming a nationally recognized day of environmental action. In Houston, trees help mitigate the "urban heat island" effect and manage local flooding. The day is also important for the city of Houston, where trees provide a significant cooling effect and absorb millions of gallons of stormwater during heavy Gulf Coast rains.