By By Adrienne McKenzie
Atmore mayor Howard Shell presented the City Tree Commission and the Alabama Forestry Commission with a proclamation Wednesday that announced Feb. 19-23 as National Arbor Week in the City of Atmore.
The National Arbor Foundation has named the City of Atmore a Tree City USA. Atmore has earned this title every year for the past 20 years.
Being a member of Tree City USA enables the city to portray the image that citizens want to have for their homes or their businesses. Tree City USA has signs posted at the entrances of each Tree City USA community that informs visitors that the city they are passing through is concerned about the environment. It also can increase awareness to potential business owners of the city that the quality of life may be better throughout the area.
Shell said that being a Tree City is a part of Arbor Day, which supports the replacement of trees.
"The city became a member of Tree City USA about 20 years ago," he said. "It's a part of Arbor Day which supports municipalities that replace trees and it recognizes Arbor Day for what it is."
Shell said that the city is trying to replace trees that have been cut down for different reasons or that were taken away during past storms.
"So many forests are being eliminated," Shell said. "We are trying to replace more trees than are taken down."
The City of Atmore is actively looking for grant opportunities that will secure replacement trees for those that have been lost in recent hurricanes.
"Last year we got a grant to plant trees throughout the town," Shell said.
The City Tree Commission consists of individuals that encourage the tree planting endeavors throughout the city.
"The city has a tree commission," he said. "Gertha Adams, Vera Lufkin and Juanita Smith are a part of the committee that support our efforts in planting trees."
The proclamation that was presented to the City Tree Commission and the Alabama Forestry Commission included:
For more information on keeping Atmore's trees healthy or on growing new trees, please visit www.arborday.org.