Saturday, Feb. 28 is a big day in Montevallo as the community celebrates Arbor Day with festivities in the Johnny Holsomback Building in Orr Park. The activities are scheduled from

9 a.m. until noon.

Montevallo has the distinctive honor of being named a Tree City. One of the features of a Tree City is the recognition and celebration of Alabama’s proclaimed Arbor Day. This is the 17th year for the event in Montevallo. In some of the western states, Arbor Day was celebrated as early as 1872.

“More than 1,500 seedlings will be given away in Orr Park,” said Herschel Hale, Arbor Board Chairman. “The seedlings include Japanese, trident and sugar maples; white, live and willow oaks; river birch; ginkgo and fringe trees.”

There will be drawings for large potted trees and planting supplies donated by Green Valley Nursery and Cedar Creek Nursery. Tree experts will be on hand to answer questions and to give demonstrations about the proper planting, pruning and care of trees.

Special participants will be Randy Glover of Centerville with his pictures and great knowledge of the rare Cahaba Lilies and Terry Arnold, along with other members of the Montevallo Trails Committee, with pictures and maps of the new walking trail from Orr Park to Stephens Park.

The artist Tim Tingle will lead a tour of the cedar carvings in the park and there will also be a tour of the University of Montevallo campus with emphasis on the wide variety of trees.

Vendors and exhibitors expected include the Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Urban Forestry Association, UM Environmental Club & Ebenezer Swamp Committee, Montevallo Civitan Club, Shelby County Master Gardeners, craftsman Don Whitten, carver Dave Chanslor, sign-maker Johanna Jenkins and others.

The celebration is planned and coordinated by the Montevallo Arbor and Beautification Board.

For information contact Herschel Hale at 665-2032 or call City Hall 665-2555 Extension 101.