Tree Give-Away
The Jacksonville Tree Commission offers a Tree Give-Away which is held on the historic town Square each February. Hundreds of bare-root saplings are provided by Alabama Power and the Alabama Forestry Commission. Species have included large-canopy trees such as Shumard, willow oaks and red maples, as well as, small flowering trees such as dogwoods, crape myrtles, red buds and fringe trees. These trees are ready for immediate planting, or can be potted up and tended for planting in the fall. Plenty of volunteers from JSU’s horticultural staff, the Jacksonville Garden Club and the Master Gardeners are on hand to answer your tree planting and tree care questions. Dates are announced in the Jacksonville News.
Community Tree Planting
Come out and join a fun group of volunteers who help each year to beautify our community! Every February, we choose a location in town that needs more trees. A group that includes Boy Scouts, JSU Earth Club and enthusiastic tree volunteers plants, mulches and stakes the donated trees. Check out our previous work at the Creekside Trail, historic Eastwood School, Jacksonville Skateboard Park, A Street, Marbut and Eighth Street housing areas, Glenwood Meadows Boys & Girls Club and Myrick Manor senior housing. Local residents have assisted in watering the trees during our hot summers. This project is a great way to help your community and learn more about trees.
Arbor Day Celebration
In most of the country, Arbor Day is celebrated in April, but in Alabama we celebrate it in February. Near the end of February, we take the opportunity to bring all our tree volunteers together for a special day of recognition. For the last few years, the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville State University have celebrated together on the beautiful JSU grounds. The event features the Mayoral Proclamation, the winning Arbor Day poem and the presentation of the Johnny Appleseed Award to an outstanding community tree advocate. To top off the ceremony, a tree is planted!