GRAHAM — The city of Graham Appearance Commission and Tree Board will celebrate Graham’s trees and Arbor Day during April with programs and activities to spark your curiosity and enhance your knowledge about trees.
The Appearance Commission and Tree Board advocates the planting and preservation of trees on public rights of way and public properties and works to educate residents on the importance of trees in all areas of the community. The board serves as an advisory board to the city council as it relates to the planting, growth and protection of trees and native plants within the city.
In addition to the “Going bonkers for botany” program that was previously announced, the following activities will take place in April:
Arbor Day poem contestKids in elementary, middle and high school are invited to show off their creativity and write a poem about a tree or trees for Arbor Day. Participants must live in Alamance County and include the poet’s name and grade, parent/guardian’s name, phone number, email and city on the back of the submission. Participation is free. One submission per person is allowed.
Completed poems are to be turned in from April 1-30 by emailing arbordayingraham@gmail.com or dropping them off during operational hours at Graham Recreation Center, 311 College St.; or Graham City Hall, 201 S. Main St. The Appearance Commission and Tree Board will choose the three winners at its Monday, May 6, meeting. Following the Arbor Day poem contest, all poems will be on display on the “Arbor Day in Graham” webpage. Graham Recreation and Parks thanks the Appearance Commission and Tree Board for donating prizes for the contest.
Arbor Day kindness rock huntThe Appearance Commission and Tree Board invites you to find one of the five Arbor Day-themed rocks hidden in downtown Graham during April. Each rock finder will need to take a picture with their rock and send an email to arbordayingraham@gmail.com with the photo to be eligible for a prize, while prizes last. The hunt is free for all ages, and one winner is allowed per household.
Arbor Day in Graham’s tree-planting ceremonyThe Appearance Commission and Tree Board, in collaboration with Graham Recreation and Parks and the city’s Public Works departments, will hold an Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony on Friday, April 26, from 10-11 a.m. This free event at South Graham Park, 1609 Rogers Road, is for all ages and will celebrate Graham’s 43rd-year Tree City USA recognition and Arbor Day. Those who can’t make it to the ceremony may watch it following the event on the city’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/channel/UCZiQPiKHdbS1uuGC47OcyWg.
For Arbor Day activities and helpful tree resources, keep an eye on the Graham Recreation and Parks Facebook page, #ArborDayInGraham. For more information, visit www.GrahamRecreationAndParks.com.
