Tree City USA tag for Town?

Town officials joined Farragut Intermediate School administrators, teachers and students at FIS for a tree-planting ceremony led by third-graders last week as part of a Town effort to become a Tree City USA designate. The third-graders, all of whom had written essays on the benefits of trees earlier in the school year, gathered in the school gymnasium for the program presented by Diane Warwick of the state Division of Forestry. One essay winner was chosen from each of the 17 third-grade classes, whose works were displayed last week in the rotunda of Town Hall. Those winners also participated in helping shovel dirt at the site of a new maple tree, planted on campus grounds.

The event also was an early celebration of Arbor Day, one of the criteria which must be met for consideration as a Tree City USA designate. It will be further commemorated by a planned proclamation Thursday, Feb. 23, from the Town Board of Mayor and Aldermen.