Today is Arbor Day in Toccoa

Today is Arbor Day in Toccoa.

Earlier this week, City Commissioners voted and approved a proclamation designating, today, February 15, as Arbor Day in Toccoa.

Hosted by Toccoa Main Street, the annual event, is celebrated by planting a tree.

This year’s tree planting will take place at the newly constructed train viewing platform on Foreacre Street.

Main Street Toccoa Events Coordinator Sharon Crosby says today’s activities will be a learning opportunity for some students.

“Every year we try to do something special; especially with children so they can be part of the Urban Forest initiative,” Crosby said. “This year, we’re going to be taking the third graders and have them watch us plant a Norway Spruce; a beautiful large tree. It will be at 9:30a Friday morning. The Forestry Commission will also be there. We will have one of our foresters talk about planting trees and about the Norway Spruce as well.”

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, in order to become a Tree City USA, a municipality must adhere to certain guidelines.

Those include, creating a Tree Board Department, pass a Tree Care ordinance, develop a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at Least $2 per capita, and have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

 

Again, the Arbor Day celebration takes place this morning at the newly constructed train viewing platform, and will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.

The public is invited to attend.

Please note, a portion of Foreacre Street, from the intersection of Sage Street to the Department of Labor, will be closed to all traffic during the event.