Kentucky Division of Forestry Aims for 100+ Counties with Signed Arbor Day Proclamations

For its #CentennialChallenge, the Kentucky Division of Forestry worked within its 120 counties and achieved the goal of  at least 100 communities signing Arbor Day Proclamations by Arbor Day 2020.

Follow the division’s progress on Facebook (@KYDivisionofForestry) or Twitter (@KentuckyEEC).

Kentucky successfully documented signed Arbor Day proclamations from over 100 communities within its 120 counties. Kentucky Division of Forestry staff was able to work with County Judge-Executives and with Tree City USA communities to obtain 102 Arbor Day proclamations.

Special Spring Arbor Day Program

Mercer County Senior High School Plants Tree for First Grade Class of 2031

Ten years ago, Mercer County Senior High School near Harrodsburg, Kentucky began the tradition of planting a tree to honor the new first grade students at Mercer County Elementary School. Each year, first grade students choose a species of tree that is native to their county, learn about the tree, and take part in the tree planting event. Typically, over 250 first graders would attend the tree planting ceremony with faculty, local officials, conservation district staff, and Kentucky Division of Forestry rangers and foresters. This year the tree planting ceremony still took place despite COVID-19, but was attended by just a small group of school staff, local officials, and two KDF staff. The event was video recorded to share with students. After the tree planting took place, a small plaque was installed that displays the tree species and class year. The Class of 2031  will be able to watch their newly planted red maple tree grow for years to come.

                                 Photos: Kentucky Division of Forestry forester Sarah Shewmaker and ranger Strider Deaver stand next to the Class of 2031 red maple tree and granite plaque displaying the red maple tree planted for the Class of 2031.