The city of Foley is planting 250 trees across the community in 2026 as part of its commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States in 1776.

On Thursday, April 23, crews from the Foley Public Works Department and Horticulture Department planted oak trees along South Chicago Street as part of ongoing downtown improvements tied to the upcoming opening of the new Foley Public Library, scheduled for summer.

The South Chicago Street project includes walkways for pedestrians, green spaces and additional street trees in a two-block stretch between the new library on East Orange Avenue and U.S. 98. The city is also installing brick pavers and columns designed to match recent improvements on Chicago Street at Heritage Park.

Officials said the broader tree-planting initiative is part of Foley’s semiquincentennial observance, marking 250 years since the nation’s founding.

In addition to the landscaping work, the city is planning several public events in 2026. A concert of patriotic music by the Baldwin Pops orchestra is scheduled for late May. Foley will also hold a celebration during the final Music and a Movie event of 2026 at Heritage Park on May 22.

City officials said additional commemorative events are in development and more details will be released as plans are finalized.