Hinesville was among Georgia cities recognized Feb. 18 for their commitment to caring for and managing trees.
Hinesville was honored during the 2015 State Arbor Day celebration at Wesleyan College for being one of Georgia’s “Tree City USA” communities for 26 years.
The program, administered by the Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska, provides the framework for community forestry management for cities across America. The requirements include the establishment of a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations. There are 138 Tree Cities in Georgia. Nationwide, more than 3,400 Tree City communities serve as home to more than 135 million Americans.
Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe traveled to Georgia for the event. Due to Georgia’s winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is Arbor Day in the state.
The Morning Glory Garden Club had a little gem magnolia tree planted in Main Street Park in honor of the late Merrilyn Englehaupt, helping Hinesville meet the standards to be a Tree City in 2014.
“Trees clean our air, filter our water, and keep us healthy by providing shade, along with countless opportunities to enjoy recreation and natural beauty,” said Robert Farris, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “The citizens of Hinesville can take pride in their community leaders’ commitment to trees and forested land — on Arbor Day and every other day of the year.”
For more information about trees and the Georgia Forestry Commission, go to GaTrees.org. For information about becoming a Tree City USA and the Arbor Day, go to www.arborday.org.