City leaders, students and environmental advocates gathered Friday at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center to celebrate Arbor Day and reaffirm Huntsville’s long-standing commitment to urban forestry.
On Friday, Mayor Tommy Battle and Council Member Michelle Watkins joined members of the Huntsville Tree Commission, the City’s Green Team and community partners for the annual event, which featured proclamations, student performances and a ceremonial tree planting.
Battle presented an official Arbor Day proclamation before joining dignitaries to plant a tree, a tradition symbolizing the city’s continued investment in preserving and expanding green space.
“Trees are more than part of our landscape, they are part of our quality of life,” Battle said. “They clean our air, provide shade, and make our city beautiful. Arbor Day reminds us to protect and plant for the future.”
Students from James Dawson Elementary School contributed colorful Arbor Day posters and poetry readings as part of the celebration.
Several awards were presented to individuals and organizations recognized for their contributions to urban forestry, including the Tree Hero Award, Tree City USA Award and Tree Line USA Award. A special proclamation honored John Allen for his work supporting Huntsville’s tree canopy.
Guests also enjoyed an appearance by Smokey Bear and a fire prevention demonstration by the Alabama A&M FireDawgs. Free tree seedlings were distributed by the Alabama Forestry Commission.
“Urban forestry is critical to Huntsville’s sustainability and every tree we plant today, tomorrow and beyond benefits generations to come,” Landscape Management Director Brian Walker said. “We’re proud to partner with the Huntsville Tree Commission and community volunteers to expand our tree canopy.”
Huntsville has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 35 consecutive years. The national program promotes community tree care and environmental stewardship. The Arbor Day Foundation has also awarded Huntsville its Growth Award for the past seven years, recognizing exceptional tree care and community engagement.
