The Alabama Forestry Commission, in partnership with the Marengo County Natural Resources Coordinating Council, will host the Arbor Day Annual Tree Giveaway on Thursday, Feb. 21 at Chickasaw State Park beginning at 9 a.m.

Alabama Gov. Thomas Seay signed the state’s first Arbor Day proclamation in 1887, and that tradition continued on and off until 1975. In 1975, the Birmingham Beautification Board, the State Garden Club, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the State Board of Education collaborated with the state Legislature to pass a legislative act designating the last full week of February as Arbor Week.

Today, Arbor Day is observed throughout the state the same time each year.

The trees that will be given away in the Marengo County event are Japanese Maple, Crepe Myrtle, Green Ash, Pond Cypress, Blackgum, Bald Cypress, Red Maple, Red Bud, Persimmon, Sawtooth Oak, Shumard Oak, Cherrybark Oak, Overcup Oak, Nuttall Oak and Chickasaw Plum.

Any questions regarding this event or the Marengo County Natural Resources Coordinating Council should be directed to Billy Carlisle at 334-295-5811.