“Jacksonville is on the move,” said Michelle Cole, admiring the renovations to the town square, where a new Tree City USA flag will soon be flying. As Tree City USA volunteer coordinator for the state of Alabama, Cole was in town to present Mayor Johnny Smith with the official flag and plaque recognizing Jacksonville’s achievements in community forestry.

In a festive mood, supporters of the effort walked to the new Winter Garden Pocket Park behind Roma’s to admire the pergola recently built by city forester Stanley Carr and members of the Street Department. Truman Norred described how the pergola will be planted with vines, and benches will be added so friends can relax and talk.

Back at City Hall, tree commission chairman Kenny Griffin thanked everyone who was part of the Tree City USA effort, from the Jacksonville Garden Club members who laid the groundwork to the City Council who established the tree ordinance and tree commission, which were required. He called special attention to city planner and grants writer Lynn Causey, who obtained an Alabama Forestry Commission grant for a consultant urban forester.

Mayor Smith spoke of his pride in the city of Jacksonville and the teamwork of volunteers that made this day possible. The goal of becoming a Tree City USA, he recalled, was established by the ACE Quality of Life Committee over two years ago. The Garden Club has been especially active in tree planting projects and community education. Smith said that many aspects of his role are challenging, but taking better care of our community’s trees is a positive accomplishment that everyone appreciates.

Michelle Cole, who will be graduating with her master’s degree in urban forestry in two weeks and continuing directly into Auburn University’s PhD program, filled the crowd in with some facts about Tree City USA. The program has been in existence for 35 years and is coordinated by the Arbor Day Foundation. The oldest Tree City in Alabama is Mobile, which achieved that status 30 years ago. The smallest Tree City in Alabama is Myrtlewood in Meringo County, with a population of 130 (plus the baby that was born last week).

Tree City USA status is important for building civic pride and showing that the community is committed to the environment. It also opens up grant opportunities and leads to better education about the value of trees in providing summer shade and managing storm water. Cole said that she hopes Jacksonville will strive toward a Tree City USA Growth Award by establishing a street tree replacement plan, improving local partnerships, and offering more information about planting the right tree in the right place. She said that Jacksonville State University’s beautifully planted grounds would make a great site for a Tree Campus USA.

Story by Susan Di Biase.