Foley’s Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board invites the community to the City’s 38th Annual Celebration of Arbor Day. The event will be held at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, located at 20733 Miflin Road, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 23rd.

Foley, is recognized as a Tree City, proudly promotes the planting of trees. Trees reduce erosion, cut heating and cooling costs, produce oxygen, provide habitat for wildlife and add beauty to our environment. The Baldwin County Master Gardeners and Certified Arborists will be on hand to answer questions about trees. Boy Scout Troop 77 will assist in distributing trees. An assortment of trees in one and three gallon containers will be available, one per person please.

Tulip Poplars and Live Oak trees will be dedicated and planted in memory of four special people who loved Foley and made the city a better place because of the time they spent here. Dedications will be made in memory of Dr. Jean Bolton, Al & JoAnn Rea, and Mr. Ollie Underwood.

Trees available are:

1. Red maple: Acer rubrum. Red maple is a medium to fast growing tree that is typically planted for its fall colors. At maturity, it can grow to a height of 60’ and a width of 40’. It grows best in full sun.

2. Nuttall oak: Quercus texana. Nuttall oak is a tall deciduous tree native to this country. They grow 60’ tall and 45’wide. Vigorous and strong, nuttall oaks grow in a pyramidal form. They later mature into a round-canopied tree. In autumn they turn red-maroon color before falling to the ground in winter. It’s known for its unique acorn which are about one inch long and almost as wide.

3. Live oak: Quercus virginiana. Live oaks grow rapidly when young, but as they mature, they have a medium growth rate and are typically planted for their spreading canopy. At maturity, it can grow to a height of 80’ and a width of 100’. It grows best in full sun or partial shade.

4. Bald cypress: Taxodium distichum. Bald cypress grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13” to 24” per year. At maturity it can be 50’ to 70’ tall and a spread of around 25’. Adapts well to wet and dry conditions. It is a deciduous confer with short needles, their coloring ranges from yellow-green in spring to soft green in summer then to reddish orange in autumn. It grows best in full sun.

5. Carolina Sapphire (Conifer): Carolina Sapphire is the fastest growing conifer out there making it ideal for privacy screening. They can reach up to 40’ tall while growing anywhere from 3’ to 5’ per year. It has an attractive bluish-gray foliage which is delightfully aromatic.

For more information please refer to the Arbor Day Foundation website at https://www.arborday.org/