Since 1998, when the town of Signal Mountain began its modern-day Arbor Day celebration (it was celebrated in a different form back in the ’20s and ’30s), 250 trees have been planted in the town, according to Noah Long, chairman of the town Tree Board.
This marks the ninth year the Tree Board has worked with fifth-graders in the three elementary schools on the mountain to plant three to four trees at each school on Arbor Day. Long started the town’s Arbor Day for his Master Gardener internship.
“It’s about community and public awareness, and the education of young people about the value of trees to the community and to the environment,” said Long.
He said the Arbor Day activities are focused on the fifth-grade level because that is the year that the majority of schools teach general science that includes biology, such as how plants grow and reproduce.
In addition to planting trees, Arbor Day involves interdisciplinary activities including poster and poetry contests, said Long.
Until 2015, Signal Mountain celebrated Arbor Day in the spring, at the same time it’s celebrated by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Last year the date conflicted with Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program testing, so the Town Council voted to celebrate Arbor Day in the fall instead, on the first Friday in October. This year, Hamilton County Schools are holding a teacher in-service day on the date set aside for Arbor Day, so it will be celebrated on a few different days in 2016, said Long.
He said the first will be at Nolan Elementary Thursday, Oct. 6, and Nolan and Signal Mountain Christian School will have Arbor Day celebrations later in October, the exact dates of which are yet to be determined.
No city funds are expended for the trees planted, which are purchased by sponsorships at a cost of $50 per tree. Tree sponsorships have been provided by Enterprise, FSG, Citizens Tri-County Bank, Dr. Jonathan Welch and Southern Star, said Long.
To sponsor trees for the Thrasher and Signal Mountain Christian School Arbor Day celebrations, contact Long at noah@long.net or 886-3820.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.