Arbor Day Celebrations

The state and national Arbor Days have passed and I know we have had a lot of tree planting ceremonies across the state - so let's hear about them.

The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council partnered with the Morrilton Middle School, the City of Morrilton Tree Board and the Arkansas Forestry Commission to celebrate the life of Ted Williams on National Arbor Day. Ted was instrumental in helping Monica Wilson develop an outdoor classroom at the school and was key in helping Morrilton become a Tree City USA. Ted also served on the Council's BOD's. Mayor Nelson read the Arbor Day proclamation for the City and the State. Steve Burgess, County Forester, organized the planting of a red maple, which was Ted's favorite and a plum tree from the Arbor Day Foundation that Ted had given to Steve a couple of years earlier to grow out. The school children read the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer that was Ted's favorite and they released monarch butterflys into the outdoor classroom. Check out the pictures!

Tags: Arbor, Day, State

Attachments:

Kids planting Plum.JPG, 243 KB
Releasing Monarch Butterflys.JPG, 221 KB

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Permalink Reply by Joyce Mendenhall on May 6, 2011 at 5:32pm

Washington County Master Gardeners and Washington County 4-H organizations led by the Junior Master Gardeners planted two Shumard oaks at the Washington County Fairgrounds. This tree was chosen for it's valuable source of shade. A history of Arbor Day was read by Master Gardener Secretary, Robin Selman. 4-Hers noted the benefits of trees. County Agent, Berni Kurz demonstrated the proper way to plant a tree.

Attachments:

Arbor Day 1.JPG, 4.7 MB
Arbor Day 2.JPG, 4.7 MB

Permalink Reply by Joan Stirling on May 6, 2011 at 6:10pm

The City of Melbourne celebrated Arbor Day on April 22. Three trees were planted near the walking trail that is shaded by a beautiful urban forest. Mayor Womack read the proclamation, Ozarka President Richard Dawe delivered a brief talk on "Leaving a Legacy," Suellen Davidson read a tree poem, and County Judge Sherrell concluded by adding his support for the Tree Board. Representatives from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the County Agent, and Tree Board members assisted the dignitaries in planting the trees. The poem follows:

Think Like a Tree

by Karen I. Shragg

Soak up the sun

Affirm life's magic

Be graceful in the wind

Stand tall after a storm

Feel refreshed after it rains

Grow strong without notice

Be prepared for each season

Provide shelter to strangers

Hang tough through a cold spell

Emerge renewed at the first signs of spring

Stay deeply rooted while reaching for the sky

Be still long enough to hear your own leaves rustling.

Happy Arbor Day to all!

Permalink Reply by Adam Roberts on May 12, 2011 at 10:19am

The Perfect Day for Arbor Day!

Hot Springs - Arbor Day was given a brief reprieve from or recent weather problems On Friday.

Almost 600 students along with scores of teachers and parents enjoyed the perfect free day out including a brown bag lunch, several different educational modules covering various forest related subjects including: a nature walk, snakes, Planting trees, and forestry demonstrations by the Ouachita Job Corps. Other presenters include Lake Catherine, City of Hot Springs Storm Water Dept., Garland County Conservation District, and the Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission. Each young student also had an opportunity to design a bag for the forthcoming e-Day Festival 2011, and they took home a specially produced free workbook and a tree to plant at home!

The City of Hot Springs, represented by Mayor Ruth Carney received The Tree City Flag, and the Growth award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the continued work in maintaining and expanding the city’s tree related activities.

Arbor Day 2011 was generously funded by Deltic Timber Corporation and Entergy Arkansas, Inc, Elisabeth Wagner Foundation, with support from several City departments. Due to an additional funding from Hot Springs Area Community Foundation we will be providing additional educational materials throughout the entire year.

Attachments:

TREE Planting 1.jpg, 1.4 MB

Permalink Reply by Alison Litchy on November 15, 2011 at 9:55am

Fort Smith had our Arbor Day November 4th this year and it went really well. We had a Butterfly Garden dedication along with our tree planting. Guest Speaker Lauri Spencer, Author of Arkansas Butterflies and Moths. Children's activities, coloring, leaf rubbings etc. Good show up this year. Also, we had our Arbor Day poster Contest Winners announced with their prizes and the first place winners will be getting a tree planted at their school with in the next few weeks!

Arbor Day Celebrations

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