Arbor Day began

in Nebraska back in 1872, to stress the need to plant trees in areas bare

of vegetation and eroding lands, and to beautify cities. Since then the

idea and the celebration of the day has spread to all 50 states and in

some foreign countries. In Georgia, some legislation was passed in 1890,

but not until 1941 did the General Assembly set the date of the third

Friday in February as Arbor Day in Georgia.

Trees play

a large role in our lives; there are the vast number of products derived

from trees; and the benefits to our environment, cleaning the air we breathe

and the water we drink, cooling the earth, curbing erosion, and providing

forests for recreation and homes for wildlife.

Forestry is

Georgia's number-one industry, contributing $19.7 billion annually to

the state's economy, employing more than 177,000 people statewide. So

indeed, Georgians have something to celebrate come Arbor Day.

Free literature

on Arbor Day is available. The Georgia Forestry Commission sets aside

the entire month of February to conduct Arbor Day related programs. Interested

schools and civic groups should contact their county GFC office for more

information. Call 770-227-5522 or 770-358-1459.