Arbor Day in Georgia takes place on the third Friday of February, near the end of the prime tree-planting season in this region. The City of Milton traditionally holds a special Arbor Day ceremony on that date annually or somewhere around it.

The exact location varies from year-to-year, though it's always on a City property with trees. In fact, planting new trees -- with the Mayor and Councilmembers helping out -- is always a centerpiece of the ceremony.

This event is open to the public, and in the past it has included light refreshments as well as family-friendly activities. Almost every year, too, people can take home free seedlings to place in their yards.

Milton shows its affinity for trees all year-round. It's been recognized as a Tree City -- a recognition for its excellence in urban forestry management -- for well over a decade. The Plant! Milton initiative encouraging tree planting earned Georgia Tree Council’s Outstanding New Initiative Grand Award. The City also has a regular "Ask the Arborist" social media feature in which City Arborist Shannon Fitzgerald answers citizens' tree-related questions.

For questions related to Milton's Arbor Day event and its tree initiatives, policies, and more, contact the City Arborist at shannon.fitzgerald@miltonga.gov.