Braxton Lashley, forester with Alabama Forestry Commission, bringing in the tree saplings before attendees arrive. Photo submitted
Special to the News
By Dr. Shannon Davis
Director, Coosa County Extension
On Friday, February 27, the Alabama Forestry Commission-Coosa County held its Tree Give Away at the Rockford Event Center in partnership with the Coosa Soil & Water Conservation District and the Coosa Extension office.
The event is held annually and took place across the state in celebration of Arbor Week. Part of the Forestry Commission’s mission is to expand local tree canopies and to promote sound environmental health.
Residents from Coosa and surrounding counties arrived early Friday to select from more than 1,000 dogwood, crabapple, persimmon, black tupelo, and white oak saplings.
Braxton Lashley, forester with the Forestry Commission, stated that the “tree giveaway is an investment in Coosa as we help to support the long-term environmental health of our communities and improve the quality of life of our residents.”
Trees provide numerous benefits beyond just the beauty. Trees are fundamental to local ecosystems making up the natural lands we call home here in Coosa.
They provide summer time shade, they help to remove pollutants from the air, and they help to prevent soil erosion.
If you would like to know about specific tree health and care, or more about your forest land, please reach out to the Coosa County Extension office for assistance at 256-377-4713.
Photo submitted
Photo submitted
Photo submitted
