GULF SHORES, Ala. – Two members of the Gulf Shores Beautification Board attended the Alabama Urban Forestry Association 2012 Annual Conference at the Hampton Inn, in Orange Beach on Oct. 10.

Jimmie VanValkenburgh and Karen Still went to the one-day session Tree Academy with representation from AUFA, Auburn Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities).

The first session was led by David West of the AUFA on tree identification, selection, cultivars, planting, and preservation.

Art Chappekka from Auburn University presented a very condensed course in basic tree biology followed tree inventory.

A brief session on grant writing, which will help the project committee of the Gulf Shores Beautification Board, was presented before the final class by Mr. West on “Fifty Trees for Alabama.”

These courses will be beneficial for future planning and discussions to present to the Gulf Shores City Council for consideration.

The Gulf Shores Beautification Board is made up of volunteers who live in Gulf Shores. It is not a decision making board but the seven members, who are also joined by representatives of the City of Gulf Shores, do make recommendations according to the established bylaws. For more info, go to www.gulfshoresal.gov under News and Events and click on Beautification Board.