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Montgomery Joins National Tree Trust’s 10 Millionth Tree Planting
Auburn, Dec. 12, 2002 --- By the time you’ve finished reading this, the National Tree Trust will
have planted five more trees in the United States – 10 more if you read
this twice.
David West, an Extension Coordinator in Calhoun County, said the National
Tree Trust has planted an average of 2,283 trees each day since it was
founded in 1990.
“That’s an average of 95 trees an hour and almost two trees per minute,”
West said.
To commemorate that achievement, the National Tree Trust “Branched Across
America” by planting a tree in each state’s capital city on Nov. 21.
Extension hosted the event in Montgomery, with West and John McMillan of
the Alabama Forestry Association organizing the planting of a maple tree.
Montgomery County Extension Agent Gwen Lewis presented tree art awards to
students from True Divine Childcare, and Extension Specialist Dr. Brenda
Allen instructed the group in tree planting.
Calhoun County Commission Chairman James Dunn extolled the many accomplishments produced by the partnership of the National Tree Trust and
Extension.
Brian Key introduced a new “Common Trees of Alabama” poster available free
of charge from LEGACY at Legacyenved.org.
National Tree Trust President Richard Keefe said the 50-state event should
raise awareness of the beauty and importance of trees.
“This special nationwide event will raise awareness of the importance of
trees to communities across the country, how trees benefit the environment, and how they can enhance the beauty and property values of
the areas where they are planted,” Keefe said.
The nonprofit National Tree Trust has become a national leader in programs
supporting local and regional community tree planting and education projects.
Its mission is to serve as a catalyst for local volunteer groups in the
planting, growing and maintenance of trees in urban and rural communities
and along the nation’s highways.
“Trees are vital to the health of our environment,” West said. “Over a
50-year lifetime, one city tree provides more than $57,000 worth of
benefits, from reduced air conditioning demand to erosion, storm water and
air pollution control.”
The National Tree Trust’s Alabama Growing Station is at the Coosa Valley
Youth Services in Anniston and offers free trees for planting on public
grounds, West said. Please call (256) 237-1621 for more information.
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