Celebrate Arbor Day on Feb. 24: pick up and plant a free tree seedling

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN TREE COMMISSION

AUBURN — The Auburn Tree Commission will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Kroger on Dean Road, Publix at Moore’s Mill and Publix at Cary Creek. Members of the Tree Commission will distribute 500 Chinkapin oak trees and 500 Chickasaw plum trees to citizens free of charge while supplies last. Planting instructions will be included.
In honor of the Auburn Tree Commission’s efforts and the Arbor Day Celebration, Mayor Ron Anders has declared Saturday, Feb. 24, to be Arbor Day in the city of Auburn.
The Auburn Tree Commission is a citizen group appointed by the Auburn City Council. The commission advises the city on proper tree care and planting and is committed to the growth and preservation of Auburn’s urban tree canopy.
The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the city of Auburn as a Tree City USA for the last 40 years.

CONTRIBUTED BY KEEP OPELIKA BEAUTIFUL

OPELIKA — In celebration of Arbor Week, Keep Opelika Beautiful announced its annual Tree Seedling Giveaway on Saturday, Feb. 24, at West Ridge Park.
Opelika residents are invited to pick out complimentary tree seedlings to plant, which promotes environmental sustainability and the importance of tree planting in the community. The Tree Seedling Giveaway will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at 1600 Ridge Road.
Arbor Week emphasizes the significance of trees and forests in our lives and encourages citizens to plant and care for trees, which play a crucial role in our lives by releasing oxygen and providing habitats for wildlife while improving air quality, reducing erosion and beautifying surroundings.
“Planting trees is a simple yet powerful act that has numerous benefits for both the environment and our well-being,” states a press release from Keep Opelika Beautiful. “By participating in our Tree Seedling Giveaway, citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of our local ecosystem while enjoying the benefits of improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, conserving energy and enhancing property value.
“Keep Opelika Beautiful is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, and our Tree Seedling Giveaway is just one of the many initiatives we undertake to promote a beautiful environment to live in.
“We want to thank our sponsor Land and Trees Unlimited and invite all residents to join us in celebrating Arbor Week by participating in our Tree Seedling Giveaway and making a positive impact on the environment. Together, we can Keep Opelika Beautiful.”