Dalton Celebrates Georgia Arbor Day With Tree Planting At John Davis Rec

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

When the John Davis Recreation Center re-opens this spring after an extensive renovation project, visitors might not notice the young tree saplings in front of the building. But the trees, planted in front of the building Wednesday morning as part of Dalton's celebration of Georgia Arbor Day, will grow and provide shade for the Parks and Recreation Department for many years to come. Wednesday's Arbor Day celebration included the planting of several trees as well as the reading of a mayoral proclamation, remarks from members of Dalton's Tree Board, and also a giveaway of tree saplings to those who attended. 

"Why do we celebrate Arbor Day? To recognize the importance of trees in our lives and the environment, to promote tree planting and preservation, and to honor the good stewards of our community," said Dr. Chris Stearns, the chairman of Dalton's Tree Board. "

Caption: Mayor Annalee Sams (left) joins with the shoveling to plant a tree sapling at the John Davis Recreation Center on Wednesday during the celebration of Georgia Arbor Day 

National Arbor Day is celebrated this year on April 24th, but Georgia's Arbor Day typically falls in February because the winter is the best time for tree planting in the Peach State. Dalton's observation of the holiday was scheduled for Wednesday this year. 

"We celebrate it differently here in Georgia because we're a warmer climate, and our trees can start earlier," Dr. Stearns said.

The Arbor Day celebration marked Dalton's 36th year of participation with the "Tree City USA" program, making Dalton one of the oldest such cities in the nation. Dalton achieved the Tree City USA designation by meeting the program’s four requirements: forming a tree board, creating a tree care ordinance for the city, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

City Arborist Jerome Key told the people gathered for the celebration that the Public Works Department in cooperation with community partners will soon launch the Dalton Community Forest Program. The program, which is being funded by a grant, will allow property owners to apply to have trees planted on residential properties in the City to enhance neighborhood greenspaces, improve air quality, and promote climate resilience. The trees would be planted in the front yards of properties and be visible from public rights of way. Residents would pay a $250 fee for installation of the tree. Seth Hawkins from the Georgia Forestry Commission praised the initiative Wednesday, calling such programs the "silver bullet" for preserving urban tree canopies. Hawkins said that as much as 80 percent of urban forests are located on private property. 

Mayor Annalee Sams read a proclamation declaring Georgia Arbor Day in Dalton on behalf of Councilmember Steve Farrow who attended the event and the other members of the City Council. As has become a tradition at the annual event, the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer was read aloud during the celebration. Tree Board member Melva Purvis performed the reading. 

Click here to see more photos from Wednesday's event on the City of Dalton Facebook page.