Nestled amidst the verdant landscape of Baldwin County, a forest of excitement is set to sprout as communities gear up for their Arbor Day celebrations. From Bay Minette to Gulf Shores to Fairhope, residents are poised to embark on a leafy adventure, planting the seeds for a vibrant and sustainable future. With nature's finest architects promising lush greenery, Baldwin County is ready to turn over a new leaf in its dedication to environmental stewardship. Join Gulf Coast Media as we dig deep into the heart of Arbor Day festivities, where every sapling tells a story and every leaf echoes beauty.

While Arbor Day is traditionally observed on the last Friday in April nationwide, Baldwin County deviates from this norm. The county's approach reflects a common practice among states and municipalities, where different dates are selected based on optimal tree planting conditions, local events or weather considerations.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Arbor Day got it's start from a newspaper editor? That's right. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Arbor Day traces its roots back to J. Sterling Morton's advocacy for trees in Nebraska in 1872. Morton, a Nebraska City resident and newspaper editor, championed the idea of a dedicated tree planting holiday to address the stark landscape of the Nebraska Territory. His proposal bore fruit on April 10, 1872, with over 1 million trees planted across the state. Subsequently, Arbor Day gained official recognition in 1874 and became a legal state holiday in 1885.

The fervor for Arbor Day spread across the nation, with over 45 states and territories embracing the tradition by 1920. Arbor Day also found a place in school curriculum, with students receiving saplings to plant in their own yards, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Today, Arbor Day is celebrated nationwide, with various states choosing dates perfect for tree planting. While Nebraska City holds the distinction of being Arbor Day's birthplace, communities worldwide gather annually to honor trees and promote a greener future. From the humble beginnings in Nebraska to global recognition, Arbor Day stands as a testament to the enduring value of trees in sustaining our planet.

Arbor Day celebrations in Baldwin County:

LOXLEY

On Feb. 9, Loxley marked its Arbor Day with a flourish at Municipal Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 2024 Loxley Arbor Day Tree Giveaway saw residents flocking to collect their share of bareroot tree varieties. The event featured an array of tree types, including black gum, southern red cedar, flowering dogwood, pawpaw, redbud, yellow poplar and western mayhaw. Each household was limited to six trees.

ORANGE BEACH

Orange Beach is gearing up for its Arbor Day festivities on Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Residents within the city limits can head to the Orange Beach Community Development Building to snag potted trees. The giveaway will feature a variety of hardwoods such as Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Nutall Oak, Swamp Chestnut, Green Ash, Summer Red Maple, Hollywood Juniper and Green Giant Juniper. The event also offers a chance for residents to learn about floodplain management and how to protect their properties.

When: Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (residents of Orange Beach only)

Where: Orange Beach Community Development, 4101 Orange Beach Blvd.

FAIRHOPE

Fairhope is ready for its Arbor Day celebration, scheduled for Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the campus of Coastal Alabama Community College. Special recognition is planned for winners of the Arbor Day poster contest, alongside individual and business beautification award recipients for 2024. Following the main program at 10:30 a.m., attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a tree seedling giveaway. This year's selection includes a variety of tree species, offering residents the chance to enhance their surroundings with a diverse array of natural beauty. Among the trees available for distribution are River Birch, Sweetgum, Wax Myrtle, Bur Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Post Oak, Smooth Sumac, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, Slash Pine and American Elm.

When: Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Coastal Alabama Community College, 450 Fairhope Ave.

BAY MINETTE

The Bay Minette Beautification Committee is all set for its annual tree giveaway on Feb. 24, starting at 8 a.m. City Hall will be abuzz as residents can choose from a selection of trees including Red Chokeberry, Spicebush, Red Bud, Magnolia Sweetbay, Blackhawk Virburnum, Red Maple, River Birch, Kousa Dogwood, Sourwood and Nutall Oak. There's a limit of six trees per household, with a maximum of two per species.

When: Feb. 24, starting at 8 a.m.

Where: Bay Minette City Hall, 301 D’Olive Street

FOLEY

In Foley, the 43rd Annual Arbor Day Celebration will take place at the Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market on Feb. 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can expect the distribution of approximately 650 trees (in three gallon buckets) along with educational resources provided by the Alabama Forestry Commission and Baldwin County Master Gardeners. Limit one tree per family.

When: Feb. 24, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermen’s Market, 20733 Miflin Rd.

ROBERTSDALE

Robertsdale will host its tree giveaway event on Feb. 24, commencing at 8 a.m. Residents can expect to receive seedlings along with valuable information on planting and caring for them. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a diverse selection of tree species, including Catalpa, Redbud, Hazelnut, Witch Hazel, River Birch, Black Cherry, Red Maple, Live Oak, Persimmon, Red Mulberry and Atlantic Ninebark. Additionally, there will be door prizes for potted trees, ensuring a delightful experience for attendees.

When: Feb. 24, beginning at 8 a.m.

Where: Honey Bee Park Pavillion, 22780 AL-59

ELBERTA

Elberta is inviting residents to join them at Elberta Town Park on Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. While supplies last, families can pick up trees to commemorate Arbor Day in their own yards, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and community pride.

When: Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m

Where: Elberta Town Park, 13052 Main St.

GULF SHORES

The Gulf Shores Beautification Board is organizing the 37th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Feb. 24, at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Residents residing within Gulf Shores' corporate limits can select four different trees from six varieties, including Red Buckeye, Parsley Haw, Sand Pine, Hoptree, Winged Sumac and Winged Elm. Proof of residency is required to claim any of the potted one-gallon trees. 12 lucky attendees will also receive a free specialty fruit tree.

When: Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Gulf Shores residents only)

Where: Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, 1930 W. 2nd St.

DAPHNE

Daphne's Arbor Day Tree Giveaway and Keep Daphne Beautiful event will be combined into one convenient location on March 9, at the Daphne Civic Center Complex. Beginning at 8 a.m., residents can collect one tree per City of Daphne address from a selection including Meyer Lemon, Key Lime, Satsuma, Live Oak or Japanese Maple. Remember to bring a photo ID for proof of city residency. The event will also feature a drive-thru Keep Daphne Beautiful Recycling Event starting at 9 a.m., promoting sustainability and community cleanliness.

When: March 9, beginning at 8 a.m. (Daphne residents only)

Where: Daphne Civic Center Complex, 2603 US Hwy 98.

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS

Magnolia Springs proudly announced its recognition as a 2023 Tree City USA member by the Arbor Day Foundation on Feb. 12. This esteemed acknowledgment reflects the town's commitment to effective urban forest management and underscores its dedication to preserving and enhancing its natural resources. The Arbor Day celebration will take place at the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department on March 2, where potted trees will be handed out from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

When: March 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department, 14809 Gates Ave.

As Baldwin County embraces Arbor Day with enthusiasm, it's a time to reflect on the importance of trees in our communities. From purifying our air to enhancing the beauty of our surroundings, trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Despite challenges like hurricanes, communities continue to come together to replenish and nurture their urban forests.

Of course, planting your tree is only the beginning. For care of your new trees, visit www.arborday.org for tips on taking care of your tree. Other reliable resources for obtaining care tips are local nurseries, such as Cooper Farm, botanical gardens or agricultural extension offices like the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. These establishments typically employ experts who can offer tailored advice based on the specific tree species and local climate conditions. Additionally, local community organizations focused on environmental conservation or gardening may also offer educational workshops or seminars on tree care.