DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Beautification Committee and the city’s Public Works Department have an Arbor Day Celebration planned for Daphne residents at 9 a.m., Saturday, at the Daphne Civic Center, in front of the Recreation Department.

A total of 3,650 free trees — 2 to 4 feet — will be given to Daphne residents, promoting an appreciation of trees for the community.

There will be 19 species available including crepe myrtles (red, white, pink and lavender); red maple; white dogwood; ginkgo; tulip poplar, southern magnolia; river birch; willow oak; bald cypress; and others.

Daphne Utilities will serve grilled sausage dogs, its signature bottled water and specialty processed packaged fertilizer. Also, coffee will be served and Girl Scouts will sell their cookies. 

Daphne High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter and teacher Andy Jones, who wrapped the trees; and the Baldwin County master gardeners will be present.

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

Feb. 7, at the City Council meeting, Mayor Fred Small read the Arbor Day Proclamation. At the same meeting, Small and Beautification Committee President Dorothy Morrison presented Gavin Klinge and Madison Hedge as the fifth-grade winners of last year’s poster contest, and gave them their framed posters with a certificate from the Alabama Governor’s office.

As a part of the celebration, Feb. 11, Beautification members and Public Works Director Richard Johnson, with crew at Daphne East Elementary School, assisted fourth-grade students who planted four nuttall oak trees.