City officials and citizens channeled their inner Lorax on Saturday by celebrating and planting trees, as well as creating something special to hang on them for our resident birds.

The occasion was Arbor Day, which occurs around this time every year in Georgia at the end of prime tree planting season. The 2025 edition happened late the morning of February 22 in around Mayfield Park near Milton’s downtown.

Sandra Dewitt – the City Arborist and driving force behind Plant! Milton, the City initiative to educate, engage, and encourage the planting and proper care of trees – served as the morning’s MC. She welcomed attendees of all ages, some from the nearby Lakeside at Crabapple neighborhood, as well as Councilmember Doug Hene.

Councilmember Phil Cranmer offered remarks that were both humorous and poignant, including touching on some of trees’ many benefits.

“Every tree planted is an investment in our future. They positively impact the look, feel, and health of our environment,” said Cranmer. “And I appreciate you all for joining us today to celebrate trees and how they make Milton, and our world, even better.”

Todd Williamson, Branch Manager at the Milton library, spoke about environmental programs in the library system. He then handed things back to Dewitt, who ushered attendees to a cluster of fresh trees at the intersection of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road.

Four of them, Autumn Cherry trees, had been planted just prior to Saturday’s event. That left a half-planted Willow Oak, located in the same general area, that people finished off planting one shovel-full of dirt at a time.

Several people went home with free Willow Oak seedlings to place in their own yards. Some of the remaining seedlings may end up at other City parks like Milton City Park and Preserve. Plus, before and after the tree planting festivities, attendees of all ages enjoyed making their own pine cone bird feeders using “sun butter” and seeds. Several even hung theirs on trees in Mayfield Park, offering a no-doubt soon to be appreciated feast for our feathered friends.

To learn more about trees – including which ones thrive most in Milton, questions-and-answers to a host of questions, and a wealth of online resources – check out www.miltonga.gov/PlantMilton.