The many benefits of trees will be celebrated this month as Georgia’s Arbor Day 2022 is recognized statewide.
The holiday is always held on the third Friday in February, and Governor Brian Kemp signed a proclamation declaring Friday, February 18, 2022, Arbor Day in Georgia. Georgia’s Arbor Day is held earlier than the national holiday because February is inside the state’s ideal planting window.
“Trees are nature’s greatest multi-tasker,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Not only do they give us clean water and air, beautify our neighborhoods and cities, and provide habitat for wildlife, but they have a proven positive impact on public health, increase property values, and provide energy savings through shade. They are the ultimate renewable resource.”
In recognition of Arbor Day, the Georgia Forestry Commission kicked off a reforestation campaign in Newnan on February 10. To help renew 567 acres lost to a tornado last year (five percent of the city’s overall tree canopy), more than 1,300 containerized trees were given away, and additional plantings will be held through March. Other events are scheduled for Valdosta, Hahira, Albany, and Warner Robins. Georgia’s statewide Arbor Day celebration will take place virtually on February 22 during the Georgia Tree Council’s first quarterly program, where special honors are planned for members of the Tree City and Tree Campus USA programs.
“It’s encouraging to see so many communities recognizing the value of trees and helping plant them,” said Lowrimore. “In Newnan alone, we’d have to plant more than 15,000 large canopy trees to replace the ones that were lost in the tornado. So these Arbor Day plantings are a great start for the growth we’ll see in the years ahead.”
For more information about Georgia’s Arbor Day and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
GFC
