MORGAN COUNTY
Communities across the state are planting trees and recognizing their benefits this month for Georgia’s Arbor Day. The day is observed annually on the third Friday in February, which this year fell on Friday, Feb. 16.
“Special events are being held all over Georgia this month to mark the occasion,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore.
“This is a great opportunity for communities to come together to learn more about the benefits their community forests provide and how to best protect that important resource”, he said.
The City of Madison sponsored a day of tree celebration and education with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Tree Council last week.
Georgia’s 133 Tree City USA’s were honored, along with Tree Campus locations and utility companies in the Tree Line program which recognizes arboricultural best practices.
Representatives from 16 Tree Cities, two Tree Campuses, and two Tree Line Utilities were present for the event, and the City of Madison was among those present. Madison has been a Tree City for 34 years.
Anyone interested in participating in or organizing a local event should check with their community tree board, city representatives, or garden club to find out about special activities planned for their community. Arbor Day events, big and small, happen in many communities, and local support for the events can go a long way.
“Planting conditions are ideal this month,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Urban & Community Forester Program Coordinator Seth Hawkins.
“Winter is the best time to plant in our state, with lower temperatures and trees in dormancy.
So, get out and make a gift to the environment and to the next generation! The Georgia Forestry Commission has a ton of resources online at GaTrees.org to help you,” Hawkins said.
For more information about tree planting, becoming a Tree City USA, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.