Gulf Shores, Ala – January 23, 2012 – Plans for the 2012 Arbor Day are well on their way. Gulf Shores Beautification Board member Jim Bauer is chairman for our area’s Arbor Day which is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, from 8:30 – 10:00 AM, at the Kids’ Park Picnic Pavilion in Gulf Shores. City employees Harlan Harrison and Cliff Collings have secured approximately 450 trees in individual containers for the residents of Gulf Shores who live within the city limits and the GS police jurisdiction only. Each household that would like to participate may have up to 4 different trees (but only one of the two varieties of fruit trees) from the 6 varieties … Native Azalea (Florida Flame), Sparkleberry, Rusty Black-Haw, Washingtonia Palm … as available, either one Meyer Lemon OR one Brown Turkey Fig. To get your trees, you must register at the check in table with proof of Gulf Shores residency; you will receive 4 tickets per qualifying household.

According to Wikipedia, “Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day. Many countries now observe a similar holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.”

Please check the website at www.gulfshoresal.gov under News and Events and click on Beautification Board for more details about the Gulf Shores Arbor Day event