The city of Brookhaven is once again a Tree City USA community after receiving the honor Feb. 17 during the 2016 Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta. The city also received the honor in 2014 and 2015.
To become a Tree City USA community, cities must meet requirements including having a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations.
“Trees clean our air, filter our water, spur economic growth and provide countless opportunities to enjoy recreation, contributing to a better quality of life,” said Robert Farris, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, in a press release. “The citizens of Brookhaven can take pride in their community leaders’ commitment to trees and forested land – on Arbor Day and every other day of the year.”
The city will celebrate Arbor Day on March 12 by planting trees in Georgian Hills park, 2800 East Georgian Drive, from 10 a.m. to noon. Mayor John Ernst will read an Arbor Day proclamation and City Council members and the city’s arborist will be on hand to plant a new tree. Bartlett Tree Experts are donating a year of care for the tree.
Those attending the Arbor Day event on March 12 will be eligible to receive a free seedling given away on a first-come, first-served basis, said a city spokesperson. Trees to be given away include 50 River Birch and 50 Bald Cypress tree seedlings.