Communities across Baldwin County are ready to turn over a new leaf as they gear up for Arbor Day celebrations, bringing a forest of excitement to local residents.
From Bay Minette to Gulf …
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Communities across Baldwin County are ready to turn over a new leaf as they gear up for Arbor Day celebrations, bringing a forest of excitement to local residents.
From Bay Minette to Gulf Shores, tree giveaways and educational events will take root, fostering a greener future one sapling at a time.
While the national observance of Arbor Day falls on the last Friday in April, Baldwin County — like many states and municipalities — plants its celebrations earlier in the year to align with optimal tree-planting conditions. This year's events will feature a variety of tree species, educational activities and community engagement opportunities aimed at deepening appreciation for nature's leafy architects.
Arbor Day's roots trace back to Nebraska in 1872, when J. Sterling Morton, a newspaper editor and nature enthusiast, proposed a day dedicated to tree planting. On April 10 of that year, more than 1 million trees were planted across the state. The idea quickly grew in popularity, spreading to other states and earning official recognition in Nebraska in 1885. By 1920, over 45 states and territories had adopted the tradition, with schoolchildren across the country receiving saplings to plant in their own yards. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated nationwide, with local adaptations ensuring trees get the best possible start in each region.
The Bay Minette Beautification Committee will hold its annual tree giveaway at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at City Hall, 301 D'Olive St. Available trees include Bald Cypress, Nellie Stevens Holly, Carolina Sapphire, Summer Red Maple, Willow Oak and Live Oak, along with crepe myrtles in 7-gallon pots. Due to larger tree sizes, each person may take home up to two potted trees while supplies last. For more information, call (251) 580-1625.
Daphne's Arbor Day Tree Giveaway and Keep Daphne Beautiful recycling event will take place on Saturday, April 12, at the Daphne Civic Center Complex, 2603 U.S. Hwy. 98. Residents can receive free trees, including Key Lime, Meyer Lemon, Satsuma, Live Oak, Summer Red Maple and Jane Magnolia, with proof of residency. A drive-thru recycling event will also be held for items such as tires, books and electronics. For more details, call Daphne Public Works at (251) 620-2100.
Elberta's Arbor Day celebration will take place from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Elberta Town Park, where families can pick up free trees while supplies last.
Fairhope will host its Arbor Day event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Coastal Alabama Community College Fairhope Campus, 450 Fairhope Ave. A tree seedling giveaway will begin at 10:30 a.m. Trees available include Red Maple, Sugarberry, American Beech, Green Ash, Eastern Redcedar, Swamp Tupelo, Longleaf Pine, Sycamore and White Oak.
Foley's 44th annual Arbor Day Celebration, hosted by the Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board, is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market, 20733 Miflin Road. Free three-gallon container trees will be available, one per family. The event will also honor three late community members — former Mayor John E. Koniar, Perry Wilbourne and Skip Davis — by planting dedicated trees in their memory. The Alabama Forestry Commission, Baldwin County Master Gardeners and certified arborists will be available to provide tree care guidance. For details, call (251) 943-1545.
Gulf Shores will mark 38 years as a Tree City USA with its 38th annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Residents within city limits can receive up to four trees per household, with species including Red Maple, Pawpaw, Sweetshrub, Green Ash, Chinese Pistache, Wild Black Cherry and Overcup Oak. Attendees will also have a chance to win specialty fruit trees. City Arborist Chuck Owens and the Gulf Shores Landscape Division will provide expert tree care advice. For more information, call (251) 968-1166.
Loxley's 2025 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 28, at Loxley Municipal Park. Residents may take up to five trees per household, with species including Persimmon, Sweetbay Magnolia, Southern Red Oak, American Snowbell and Basswood.
The Magnolia Springs Garden Club will host a tree giveaway from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Magnolia Springs Fire Station, 14809 Gates Ave. Potted trees, including Satsuma, Meyer Lemon, Key Lime, Summer Red Maple and Carolina Sapphire, will be available, one per person. A tree planting seminar will also be held, along with fun gardening activities for children.
Orange Beach will hold its annual Arbor Day tree giveaway from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in front of the Orange Beach Community Development building, 4101 Orange Beach Blvd. Residents can receive free potted trees, including Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Nellie Holly, Summer Red Maple and Hollywood Juniper, as well as limited quantities of Key Lime, Meyer Lemon and Satsuma Orange trees. Volunteers are welcome to assist. For more information, contact Woody Speed, City Coastal Regulatory Manager, at (251) 981-1062.
As Baldwin County digs into another season of Arbor Day celebrations, these events offer more than free trees — they cultivate community, environmental awareness and a shared commitment to sustainability. From shade and beauty to improved air quality and wildlife habitats, trees provide countless benefits.
For tree care tips, visit www.arborday.org or check with local experts at nurseries like Cooper Farm, Master Gardeners of Baldwin County, botanical gardens and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
After all, planting a tree isn't just about today — it's about growing a greener tomorrow, one leaf at a time.
As not all cities and towns had information available for their Arbor Day celebrations, Gulf Coast Media will update this list online at www.GulfCoastMedia.com with additional Arbor Day events happening in Baldwin County as more information becomes available.
