Foley celebrated its 45th year as a Tree City by giving away more than 700 trees to residents and honoring two public servants who passed away last year.

The city held its annual Arbor Day event Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, distributing 720 trees in 3-gallon containers. Varieties included summer red maple, green giant arborvitae, live oak, crape myrtles, nuttall oak and several magnolia species.

Two larger summer red maples were dedicated as memorial trees for City Councilman Richard “Dick” Dayton and Marketing Director LaDonna Hinesley, both of whom died in 2025.

“We have two individuals today that we want to recognize,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. He described Dayton as a dedicated public servant who met with residents and attended meetings beyond the scope of his official duties. “He was in it for the right reason. He represented his folks well, and he was very passionate about what he did. He loved the city and with all his business background, he really pushed us.”

The mayor also highlighted Hinesley’s contributions as Foley’s first marketing director and her role in expanding the city’s museums.

“She spent many years serving the city of Foley, retiring as a marketing director. During her tenure, she played an important role in the development of the city's museums and Welcome Center. Not only that, the marketing component was basically created by LaDonna,” Hellmich said. “She helped preserve local history and strengthen community engagement. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her quiet strength and her steady commitment to the people in places that she loved most.”

Ryan Peek, coastal programs manager for the Alabama Forestry Commission, praised the city’s longstanding commitment to tree preservation. “Foley is in their 45th year as a Tree City, USA. That is incredible,” Peek said. “Congratulations to the city leaders, the beautification board, and everybody who's behind the scenes making that work and on the front lines making it work. You've got a really unique town, and you have really good elected officials and city management and employees there. They work with the county. They work to implement green infrastructure where it's applicable.”

The city also recognized two live oak trees for inclusion on the Landmark Tree list, a program that preserves mature or noteworthy trees. “This program helps raise awareness and preserve mature and noteworthy trees within the city,” said Josh Roberts, Riviera Utilities vegetation management superintendent. Trees qualify for the program if they are more than 100 years old, rare or uncommon, recognized as champion trees for a species, or linked to a historic event or landmark. One tree on property owned by James Shoots has a diameter of 83 inches, while a tree on property owned by Brad Stansbury measures 57 inches.

Riviera Utilities co-hosted the Arbor Day celebration while the Alabama Forestry Commission, Baldwin County Master Gardeners and certified arborists also took part in the event. Members of Boy Scout Troop 77 assisted with tree distribution.