On Thursday, February 20, Keep-Macon Bibb Beautiful, in partnership with Bibb County Schools and the Macon-Bibb Parks and Beautification Department celebrated Georgia Arbor Day with students at Alexander II Magnet School and Bruce Elementary School.

Third graders at Alexander II Magnet School crossed the street into Tattnall Square Park for a “Walking with Trees” Tour with Edward the Arborist. Students learned basic tree identification by understanding leaves found in the park. Using math, the students learned how to measure and compute a tree’s critical root zone. They also learned the importance of pruning and how angles are used in tree work for safety. Each student also received a tree seedling, compliments of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Students also helped the Parks and Beautification Department plant a tree in front of the school.

Later that morning, students at Bruce Elementary School received 410 tree seedlings donated by Georgia Power.

“This year is our first year having an agricultural class. Our students will eventually go to Rutland High School, which has an agriculture program, and this is a great way to develop their interests early,” said Principal Kizzie Lott. “It’s something different and it’s opening their horizon to different opportunities for their futures.”

Macon-Bibb Parks and Beautification and Evergeen Landscaping donated pots, and Minton Lawn & Garden Center donated soil so each student can plant their own seedling to take home.