DAPHNE, Ala.—The Daphne Beautification Committee’s big event is its Arbor Day Celebration on Feb. 28, 9 a.m., at Village Point Park Preserve, where 3,700 trees will be given away free to residents.

“You will not want to miss this event!” Tomasina Werner, a beautification committee spokesperson, said. “Among the 23 species will be red bud, cherry, dogwood, crepe myrtle, bald cypress, silver bell, red maple, willow oak and other favorites—some 2- to 3-feet tall.”

Organizers of the event—sponsored by the beautification committee—include:  Whitney Wingbermuehler, chair; Carolyn Coleman; Judy Sholtis; Selena Vaughn; Werner; Public Works liaisons  Marshall Parsons and Marjorie Belleu; the Public Works crew; and other committee members.

Gary Ickes of Ickes Tree Service provided free mulch, Werner said.

“A special thanks goes to the Daphne High School Future Farmers of America chapter for preparation of the trees for the event,” Werner said. “The FFA of DHS has volunteered their services for over 15 years for the Arbor Day Celebration.”

Another important part of the Arbor Day Celebration is Mayor Fred Small’s presentation of the Arbor Day Proclamation at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting, Werner said. 

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, which determined standards with the National Association of State Foresters, a town or city must have the following, to qualify as a Tree City.

< A tree-care ordinance.

In other Daphne Beautification Committee news, President Dorothy Morrison announced that three new alligators have arrived at “Gator Alley.” 

“Look for Mother and two baby alligators located on right side of the boardwalk just before the overpass,” Tomasina Werner, a committee member, said.

Gator chaser and want to see the real thing?

Head to Gator Alley, just south of Interstate 10 by D’Olive Creek.