More than 700 trees found new homes during the City of Bay Minette’s annual Arbor Day observance, organized by the Bay Minette Beautification Committee and coordinated by Jody McMillan and the Grounds Crew. The event, held on Feb. 24, featured a diverse selection of trees including Red Chokeberry, Spicebush, Red Bud, Magnolia Sweetbay, Blackhawk Virburnum, Red Maple, River Birch, Kousa Dogwood, Sourwood and Nutall Oak.

Volunteers from Crossroads Church provided complimentary coffee and pastries, while Master Gardeners offered guidance on tree care and maintenance. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore options provided by Bush Farms. Additionally, the Beautification Committee distributed free packets of butterfly mix perennial seeds.

Meanwhile, Foley concluded its Arbor Day commemorations on the same day with tree giveaways and the inaugural Coastal Garden Festival at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market. The city initiated its celebration by donating tree-themed books to local libraries, a tradition carried out annually by the Foley Beautification Board. In addition to the book donations, Foley allocated trees in 15-gallon buckets to each participating school, fostering environmental awareness among students.

Residents were also invited to receive trees in three-gallon buckets at the Arbor Day event. The Coastal Garden Festival, coinciding with the tree giveaway, featured numerous vendors offering nursery items, including citrus trees.

Additionally, Foley honored individuals who contributed to the city's improvement by dedicating live oak trees in their memory. Among the honorees, Sara Thompson, recognized for her role in establishing Sara Thompson Kids Park, had a tree planted in her honor at Max Griffin Park. Deputy Police Chief Randy Bishop was similarly honored with a tree planted along the Perry Wilbourne Rose Trail, adjacent to the Foley Police Department building.

Furthermore, a tree memorializing Anthony and Dee Kaiser was planted at the Graham Creek Memorial Walk. Foley also bestowed Century Tree plaques on trees aged over 100 years, including Margaret Krupinski's live oak at the Krupinski Farm and Dustin and Felicia Parrish's oak tree on Waverly Lane.