Bristol, Tennessee Hosts State Arbor Day Celebration
Wednesday, March 04, 2009 | 05:39am
NASHVILLE – Recognizing the importance of trees to Tennessee, Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed a proclamation declaring March 6, 2009, as Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. This year’s state celebration will be held in Bristol, Tenn., a Tree City USA community.
"Arbor Day reminds us to be good stewards to the environment that provides us with many resources and a picturesque landscape." said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “Our Division of Forestry is continuously working to help landowners and communities include trees in their land management plans.”
By earning the title of Tree Board of the Year, Bristol, Tenn., was automatically chosen to host the state Arbor Day celebration. A tree board is a group of concerned volunteer citizens charged with developing and administering a comprehensive tree management program. The tree board is a requirement for Tree City USA designation.
Founded by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska in 1872, National Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April. A number of state Arbor Days are celebrated at different times of the year to coincide with the best tree planting weather. Tennessee celebrates Arbor Day the first Friday of March every year.
The Arbor Day celebration will take place at Avoca Elementary School on Friday, March 6th at 1 p.m. Tree seedlings will be distributed at the celebration. On Saturday, citizens are invited to participate in a Tree Keepers Seminar. The cost is $5 and includes lunch. For more information or to register call 423-764-4023.
For more information on Arbor Day, visit www.arborday.org. For more information on the Tennessee Division of Forestry, visit www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/forestry.