The Annual Arbor Day Celebration is Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at the Elachee Nature Science Center. Open to the public, the event is sponsored by the Hall County Master Gardeners, Keep Hall Beautiful and Georgia Power. Festivities include student art and essay contest recognition and a joint city/county proclamation with Tree City USA recognition.
“Trees are the backbone to good water, healthy soil, clean air and natural beauty, said Michael Wheeler, County Extension Coordinator, Hall County Cooperative Extension. “We celebrate Arbor Day each year to remind ourselves of the importance trees have in our community and how they make a difference for Gainesville-Hall County’s quality of life. It is our commitment to the next generation that we pass down the value of trees in our community, and the Arbor Day Student Art and Essay Program is a great way for students to express how they feel about trees and nature.”
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee and the Georgia Forestry Service announce winners of the 2015 Arbor Day Student Art and Essay Contest in January. Over 100 entries were submitted with the topic “I Speak for the Trees.” Students to be recognized on Arbor Day include:
I Speak for the Trees Art Contest (3rd Graders) 1st Place: Lottie Landers, Myers Elementary Runner up: Litzy Verduzco, Gainesville Exploration Academy Runner Up: Grace Ryan, Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry I Speak for the Trees Essay Contest (5th Graders) 1st Place: Clay Stover, Riverbend Elementary Runner Up: Yahayra Bautista, Enota Elementary Runner Up: Julissa Salas, Tadmore ElementaryFor information on Arbor Day or other Greater Hall Chamber Community Development programs, contact Robin Halstead, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206 x 101. Email: rhalstead@ghcc.com