On February 16th, 2024, Dalton, Georgia, held an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at Civitan Park. The event honored the late Pete Pervis, a former Dalton Tree Board member. Mayor Annalee Sams named the day Georgia Arbor Day in Dalton and joined the tree planting with Mr. Pervis’ wife, Melva, and daughter, Kim. Mrs. Pervis also read a poem.
The Arbor Day event in Dalton is a recurring tradition. This year, the city received the ‘Tree City USA’ recognition for the 34th year in a row. The Arbor Day Foundation, the US Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters award this recognition to cities that meet specific tree care and community forestry standards.
Dalton’s ‘Tree City USA’ recognition is notable as it is one of the longest-running recipients in the US. The city has consistently met the program’s four criteria, including having a tree board, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an annual Arbor Day proclamation.
Dr. Chris Stearns, the chairman of Dalton’s Tree Board, led the event. He highlighted the significance of the Arbor Day celebration. Unlike the national Arbor Day in April, Georgia’s Arbor Day is in February, a more appropriate time for tree planting in the state.