The Spirit of Arbor Day Takes Root in North Augusta
North Augusta was buzzing with excitement on December 6 as residents gathered for the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration at Davenport Park. With a mix of sunshine and clouds hanging in the sky, the atmosphere was perfect for planting and celebrating the wonders of nature.
A Nod to Nature
This festive event wasn’t just about planting a tree; it was about fostering a love and appreciation for our green friends. Roy Kibler, North Augusta’s superintendent of property maintenance and a proud arborist, shared his passion for trees during the celebration. “We do this to support our Tree City USA recognition and to give citizens a chance to come out, watch, and learn the proper way to plant a tree,” he said. And that’s just what they did!
Planting a New Oak
Among the show-stoppers of the day was the impressive Panache Shumard Oak, a splendid tree that will eventually rise to over 60 feet and spread its branches to 40 feet wide. This majestic oak replaced a tree that had succumbed to the fierce winds of Tropical Storm Helene, which had knocked it over. A huge thanks goes to Select Trees in Crawford, Georgia, for donating this beauty to the city!
Celebrating a Decade of Green
What’s even more exciting? This year marks 10 years since North Augusta earned its title as a Tree City USA. Following the guidelines set by this prestigious designation, the city has a dedicated tree department and a tree care ordinance in place since 2013 to ensure the preservation and growth of its urban forest.
Despite the chilly December air, Kibler emphasized that late fall is an excellent time for planting trees and shrubs. “We encourage everyone to plant one and be aware that now is the time to plant,” he noted, adding that caring for trees is crucial to maintaining a healthy environment.
Community Spirit in Full Bloom
The event brought together enthusiastic community members, including the Carolina Hills Garden Club, which showed their support by donating a lovely plaque to be placed near the newly planted oak. Participants received free tree seedlings from Groves Nursery in North Augusta, allowing them to take a piece of the celebration home.
Members of the Carolina Hills Garden Club, such as Gale Agee and Dorothy Rotan, expressed their commitment to supporting North Augusta’s beautification efforts. Agee shared, “It’s something we do every year to help beautify the city and encourage people to plant trees and to help with nature.” The camaraderie and shared enthusiasm were palpable!
Mayor Williams Weighs In
No Arbor Day celebration would be complete without words from the city’s leaders. North Augusta’s beloved Mayor Briton Williams spoke of the appreciation the city receives for its beautiful landscape. He attributed part of this success to Kibler’s hard work and dedication, proudly stating, “It just shows you that we do care about trees.” Planting a tree each year is a symbolic act of their commitment to preserving nature.
Looking Ahead
The residents of North Augusta left Davenport Park that day not only with smiles on their faces but also with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the environment. The tree-planting event served as a reminder of the importance of trees and green spaces in our lives, highlighting how a simple act can make a big difference in our community.
As we look to the future, let’s carry the spirit of Arbor Day in our hearts and continue to nurture our urban forest, ensuring that North Augusta remains a lush and beautiful place for generations to come!
