Demopolis has been a Tree City since 1986. Now in its 39th year on the registry, it’s one of the longest running members of the program. What is a “Tree City?” 

Left to right: Director of Southern Regional Agroforestry Center Freddie Davis, Joy Collins, Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins and Demopolis Horticulture Supervisor Larry Bailey. | Photo by Jeremy Crowson

Arbor Day was established in 1872 to celebrate the importance of trees and tree planting after the massive deforestation that took place in the century prior. Tree City USA is an initiative started in 1976 by the Arbor Day Foundation to help keep cities green and create more pleasant places to live.

The Tree City website states, “A city that takes care of its trees takes care of its people. Since 1976, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program has recognized and supported the cities and leaders who create places to play, room to breathe, and beauty on every block.”

Saturday, April 12 being Arbor Day (not just Rooster Day), the city held a ceremony to plant more new trees along Tiger Lane, on the way to Demopolis High School. Organized by Demopolis Horticulture Supervisor Larry Bailey, event participants included the DHS Beta Club, the Livingston Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority NuNu Omega Chapter, Mayor Woody Collins, and Certified Arborist and Forester, and Director of the Southern Regional Agroforestry Center Freddie Davis. 

Livingston’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority NuNu Omega Chapter showed up in force to help out. | Photo by Jeremy Crowson

Mayor Woody Collins opened the day by reading the city’s proclamation acknowledging Arbor Day and highlighting the importance of trees in the ecosystem and economy of Demopolis. 

A brief history of Arbor Day followed, presented by Freddie Davis. Then, a tree planting lesson from Larry Bailey got everyone ready to plant their group’s Natchez White Crepe Myrtle.

Assisting the participants were Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund foresters Darren Beachem and Corey Bacon.

DHS Beta Club members worked as a group to plant multiple trees. | Photo by Jeremy Crowson

Horticulture Supervisor Larry Bailey demonstrates the proper way to spread mulch around the newly planted trees. | Photo by Jeremy Crowson