Want to plant a Pinus palustris in your yard? At Fairhope’s Arbor Day celebration, Saturday, February 27, there will be plenty of those trees (otherwise known as longleaf pine) and others in the annual tree seedling giveaway. The day’s activities start at 10 a.m. and take place outdoors on the Faulkner Campus in downtown, weather permitting. City representatives will recognize the winners of the fifth grade Arbor Day Poster Contest and those individuals and local businesses being honored for their environmental stewardship and landscape beautification efforts. New additions to Fairhope’s Treasured Trees program will also be honored.

Individuals and businesses being honored with beautification or environmental awards this year include Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, Faulkner State Community College Amphitheatre, The Myrick Building, The Citizens Bank, The Aviation Academy at the H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport, Warehouse Bakery, Will Carlton

More than 1,000 trees seedlings will be given away beginning at approximately 10:30 and continuing until supplies run out. “We hope to have the Wisteria Garden Club, Boy Scout Troop #47, and local master gardeners on hand to help with the tree seedling giveaway,” said Jennifer Fidler, Public Works Director for the City of Fairhope.      

Along with the always-popular tree distribution and the award presentations, visitors will have a chance to talk with experienced arborists who can answer questions about planting, growing, and maintaining trees.

Trees that are part of the giveaway this year include longleaf pine, shumard oak, bald cypress, Western mayhaw, blackgum, sassafras, Southern magnolia, and fringetree.

For more information on the Arbor Day festivities or to participate as a vendor, call 251-929-1466.