Arbor Day Celebration at the Smyrna Arboretum

Arbor Day had its beginnings when J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraskan newspaperman and lover of nature, set a date for a tree planting day.

He challenged fellow Nebraskans to plant trees and offered prizes to the county and individual that planted the most number of trees on that date. Nebraskans took it to heart and it is estimated they planted more than one million trees that 10th day of April in 1872. 

In 1972, President Richard Nixon officially declared Arbor Day a Federal holiday. All fifty states recognize it, but each state celebrates it in the month that offers the best planting time for their region.

Georgia chose the third Friday in February, which puts Arbor Day on Feb. 18 this year. Smyrna, however, will be celebrating with a tree ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Keep Smyrna Beautiful will be recognizing those who have had a tree planted in their name at the Smyrna arboretum over the past year. 

The arboretum, located in the park beside the Community Center, lines the pathways that wind around the duck pond, up along the gazebo, and down to the sidewalks lining the streets.

Native trees and shrubs are planted in memory of, in honor of, or in dedication to an individual or group of individuals.

There are 90 different specimens thus far. Each has a plaque denoting the plant species along with the name/names for whom it has been planted. Just about all the plants in the arboretum are native to this region.

The exceptions are the large Norwegian Spruce, used for years as the city Christmas tree when it stood near the old City Hall; and, a group of Loropetalum shrubs and the Japanese Maple they encompass (the tree was donated by the Jonquil Garden Club).

Saturday’s dedication ceremony will be accompanied by a light lunch. This event is free to the public but reservations are required. If you are interested in attending, contact Keep Smyrna Beautiful to reserve your place.

And, in the spirit of the day, plant a tree.