Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Rd. in Niles, celebrates Seuss’ birthday and his book,  “The Lorax,” with a program for kids of all ages, titled, “I Speak for the Trees,” from 1 to 3 p.m. March 10.

There will be a reading of “The Lorax” followed by a nature walk to learn about Fernwood’s. Enjoy a “Truffula tree” treat and make seed bombs to take home and distribute. Copies of Seuss’s book will be available in Fernwood’s gift shop.

“The Lorax” is told from the viewpoint of the Once-ler, who chopped down all of the Truffula trees with tufts much softer than silk to knit Thneeds, which he says everyone needs. The story is about conservation and taking care of the environment and became one of Seuss’ most controversial books. Parents in logging communities tried to get “The Lorax” removed from school libraries and reading lists, and it even made the American Library Association’s annual list of challenged and banned books. Seuss defended the book saying it was not an anti-logging book, but rather a book about anti-pollution and anti-greed.

Carol Line, the executive director at Fernwood, says the message of  “The Lorax” fits well into Fernwood’s mission.

“As someone who also speaks for the trees in our day-to-day work at Fernwood, I am quite happy to bring the story of ‘The Lorax’ to Fernwood for a day of great fun for all and with a green message,” Line said.

The program is free with paid Fernwood admission (Fernwood members are admitted free). It is open to kids of all ages, with children younger than 5 accompanied by an adult. Call (269) 695-6491 to register by March 8.