DAPHNE, Ala. — Plans are being made as the Daphne Beautification Committee and the Public Works Department combine efforts for an Arbor Day Celebration set for 9 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Daphne Civic Center.   

There will be 3,650 free trees being given to Daphne residents promoting an appreciation of trees. There will be 19 species available.  Among those will be red, white, pink and purple-lavender crape myrtles. Also included will be red maple, white dogwood, ginkgo, tulip poplar, southern magnolia, river birch, willow oak, bald cypress and many others.

The City of Daphne is a member of the Tree City USA Award, a program designed to recognize communities that effectively manage their public tree resources and meet their standards. 

Observing Arbor Day with a celebration is one such requirement.  Mayor Fred Small will read the Arbor Day proclamation at the Feb. 7 city council meeting set for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The mayor will present the winners of last year’s fifth-grade poster contest, a certificate and their framed posters.

There will be Arbor Day tree-planting ceremonies during February at Daphne East Elementary on Highway 13 and at the corner of Whispering Pines Road.