Those heading to state and local government offices on Friday will find most of them closed to observe Arbor Day.

The holiday is meant to encourage the planting and nurturing of trees. Many states around the country also recognize the holiday.

The tree-honoring occasion originated in Nebraska City in 1872, founded by Nebraska City native and U.S. Agriculture Secretary J. Sterling Morton. An estimated 1 million trees were planted that day.

Nebraska City residents will hold their 141st Arbor Day celebration Friday and will extend the festivities into Saturday and Sunday, with tree giveaways, a parade, races, home and garden and craft shows, a chili cook-off and commemorative tree plantings.