The city of Statesboro Tree Board will host an Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Marvin Avenue Park.
The free, family-friendly event brings together local organizations, educators and tree advocates to celebrate Georgia Arbor Day, while highlighting the importance of trees and strong community connections, according to a release from the city of Statesboro.
The celebration will feature hands-on tree-related activities, a tree giveaway and raffle, educational demonstrations, native plant sales and a nonperishable food and pet food drive benefiting the Statesboro Food Bank and the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County.
Each donated food or pet food item counts as one entry into the tree raffle, so with the more items donated, the greater the chance of winning a tree. Trees for the raffle have been donated by Southern Scapes Nursery, Inc. and Wise Nurseries. Entrants must be present to win and will be able to choose their tree.
“The Statesboro Tree Board had the idea to host a community-wide event where different organizations can come together to share how they help people while making it fun to learn about trees,” said Shawn Diddie, chair of the Statesboro Tree Board and a certified arborist. “Everyone in a community needs trees, trees need people in that community, and people need each other. I liken that idea to: ‘People need Trees; People need People.’”
Tree planting in honor of Henry Clay
A memorial tree planting will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Honor of Henry Clay. Clay was a founding member of the City of Statesboro Tree Board and served on the Board for 40 years, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s urban forestry efforts.
Wesley Parker, former chair of the Tree Board, who served alongside Clay for 10 years and was a close friend, will share remarks during the ceremony.
“Henry had such a passion for the city of Statesboro,” said Sandra Clay, his widow. “He put forth a tireless effort toward the beauty of the city through the planting, pruning, and care of trees.”
Education, activities and community partners
The Georgia Forestry Commission will give away free native tree seedlings. All the Buzz Native Plant Nursery will offer native plants for purchase and share information about its new nursery location at 1557 Ellis Road in Register.
Several local schools have been invited to participate, including Statesboro STEAM S.E.R.V.E.S., which will host a hands-on tree-related activity while sharing how the program supports the community.
Georgia Southern University Student Service Learners from Professor Lissa Leege’s botany class have been invited to lead activities throughout the event. Leege also serves as chair of the City of Statesboro Greener Boro Commission, which will be present.
Marcus Toole, community outreach coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County, will provide information about Habitat’s work in the community. Toole, a local expert on fruit trees, also will share guidance on pollination, fruit tree cultivation, and grafting techniques. He will have grafted fruit trees and suckers available for purchase. Attendees who win a fruit tree in the raffle are encouraged to speak with him.
The Tree Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the Board’s work supporting the city’s urban forestry efforts.
Organizations interested in volunteering or hosting an informational table may email ksbb@statesboroga.gov for more information.