
For Immediate Release…February 8, 2018
Citizens across the state will observe Georgia’s Arbor Day on Thursday and Friday, February 15 and 16, 2018. Special events that celebrate the many benefits of trees will be held in cities including Atlanta, Athens and Woodbine.
“Georgia’s Arbor Day is always held on the third Friday in February, which is in the middle of our planting season,” said Chuck Williams, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Whether you’re adding trees to your yard, a city park, or any other landscape, you’re doing something important for the environment. Trees are a renewable resource that link us all,” Williams said.
Georgia has earned the distinction of being the #1 state for forestry in the nation. Georgia boasts 24.8 million acres of forestland, with 90 percent of it privately owned. The forest industry has a $35.2 billion impact on Georgia’s economy, with the urban forestry sector adding another $4 billion. Forests in Georgia provide an estimated $37 billion in ecosystem services, including clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat.
In Atlanta, an Arbor Day event co-hosted by the Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia Urban Forest Council on Thursday, February 15 at Trees Atlanta will feature a panel discussion with Metro Atlanta mayors and managers. Discussion will focus on collaboration that builds partnerships for the protection of community trees. The Tree City, Tree Line and Tree Campus USA programs will recognize their new and renewing members, and Columbus, Ga. will be honored for its 40th year as a Tree City. Gerald McDowell, Executive Director of Aerotropolis Atlanta Community Improvement District, will be the keynote speaker.
In Athens, a regional tree board roundtable, tree planting, and Tree City USA Awards lunch will be held at Flinchum’s Phoenix. In Woodbine, a tree care seminar at the Woodbine Community Center will cover invasive plants and insects, pruning, hurricane preparation and more.
For more information about Arbor Day events, visit http://www.gatrees.org/resources/events/. For more about the benefits of trees, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
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For more information, contact: Wendy Burnett 478.751.3535 wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us
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