“Trees Are Terrific… and Forests Are Too!” is the theme for Arbor Day this year, according to the Arbor Day Foundation website. They pointed out that we all are working against a climate clock that demands we all do better. Planting trees is one of those things we all can do for the environment.
The Arbor Day Foundation is trying to plant 500 million trees by 2027 in areas that need it most. They are doing this with their strong network of global partners, a science-based approach, and more than 50 years of planting trees worldwide. But it’s not just them, it’s us too. We, the community of Liberty County, are not just bystanders but active participants in this global initiative. We know what it takes to make it happen, and I believe Liberty County can help.
Keep Liberty Beautiful received donated trees from the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation and Georgia Forestry Commission, and we are able to provide 300 trees to Liberty County! KLB is educating more people, getting more hands in the dirt, and getting more Liberty County students involved with planting trees, flowers, and vegetables. If you love and appreciate trees as I do, your involvement is crucial. Please join us in celebrating trees by planting trees and increasing our community tree canopy. We added more trees to the list this week, so please go to our website, www.keeplibertybeautiful. org, and sign up for a tree today.
Just in case you did not know, we celebrate Arbor Day on the third Friday in February. This year it is on Friday, February 21, which is a great time to plant trees in our climate. Trees and a healthy tree canopy in our community not only improve our quality of life but also contribute to a healthier environment. We aim to encourage as many local residents as possible to help us grow our tree canopy. We want to inspire civic organizations, youth groups, schools, churches, businesses, municipalities, and individuals to reserve a tree to plant and experience the transformative benefits of a lush tree canopy.
On Thursday, February 20, there will be an Arbor Day planting in the Bryant Commons Orchard. We hope to have some of the Hinesville Youth Council, the Liberty County Youth Council, the Young Adult Liberty Leaders program, and Girls Scouts participate in the planning of trees this year.
This is not just a planting event but a community celebration where your involvement is crucial. We value the participation of every individual, family, and organization. This is a family-friendly event, and all of the trees, soil, mulch, and gold-painted shovels will be provided. The event usually starts around 5 p.m. after the Hinesville City meeting.
The reserved Arbor Day Trees can be picked up on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Farmer’s Natural Foods on Hwy 196, 754 Elma G Miles Pkwy, Hinesville, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Farmer’s Natural Foods will also give anyone who picks up their tree on Arbor Day a discount on their choice of smoothies that day.
Also, you can reserve trees for Friday at Melon Bluff Nature Center, 2999 Islands Hwy, Midway, from 1 to 3 p.m. Another location where you can pick up trees is at the Recycle It! Fairs sites, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 22.
These locations are: Liberty County Community Complex, 9397 East Oglethorpe in Midway Walthourville City Hall, 222 Busbee Drive in Walthourville There will also be a Shred it! Event at this site where you can securely dispose of your sensitive documents. This is an excellent opportunity to declutter your home or office while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
Just a reminder: these are the items we will collect at the fairs:
• Electronics
• CFLs and fluorescent light bulbs
• Used motor oil and antifreeze
• Car batteries.
• Household batteries
• Printer ink and toner cartridges
• Telephone books, large sale catalogs, and books
• Household goods and clothes and shoes
• Old prescription medications and over-thecounter medications Please help us expand our community’s tree canopy by planting trees! For more information on recycling or the upcoming tree giveaways, contact us at (912) 880- 4888 or klcb@libertycountyga.gov or visit our website, www. keeplibertybeautiful.org. Think trees!
