Savannah’s Park and Tree Department, in collaboration with the Park and Tree Commission, will join forces with Andrea B. Williams Elementary School for an Arbor Day celebration set for Thursday, February 15. This adjustment from the traditional third Friday of February accommodates the school’s e-learning schedule.
The celebration, aimed at underscoring the importance of urban forests in community health and aesthetics, will feature the presentation of the City’s Arbor Day Proclamation, recently approved by the City Council. Following the proclamation, attendees will participate in a tree planting ceremony, marking the city’s commitment to enhancing its green infrastructure.
Gordon Denney, Director of the Park and Tree Department, emphasized the integral role of trees in beautifying and enriching the city’s landscape, stating, “Trees not only enhance our environment’s health but also contribute to the beauty and enrichment of Savannah.”
Savannah has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1985, a testament to its dedication to effective urban forest management. The city meets the foundation’s criteria through its active tree board, comprehensive tree-care ordinance, adequate forestry budget, and annual Arbor Day activities.
While National Arbor Day is celebrated in April, Georgia and several other states observe the day during their optimal tree planting season, which in Georgia’s case is February. This timing aligns with the best period for planting trees in many southern regions, highlighting the state’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship.
The Arbor Day event will take place at Andrea B. Williams Elementary, located at 1150 Wheaton St., starting at 10 a.m. It represents a significant opportunity for the community to engage in discussions about the value of urban forestry and participate in the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and expand its tree canopy.
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