Rocky Top celebrates ‘Arbor Day’ 2024: Community embraces Tree City designation
Mykaela Tackett reads a Dr. Seuss book, “The Lorax,” to students from Lake City Elementary school during the recent Arbor Day program at the Rocky Top Public Library, celebrating Rocky Top as a “Tree City USA.”.
The city recently celebrated Arbor Day 2024 with a program at the Rocky Top Public Library that included students from Lake City Elementary School.
Mayor Kerry Templin’s proclaimed March 1 as the official Arbor Day 2024 at the February City Council meeting, and council members were told by Councilman Zack Green, who is also chairman of the city’s Recreation Committee, about the Arbor Day event.
Diane Warwick, retired Tennessee state forester, was guest speaker for the event.
Mykaela Tackett read the book “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss, to those attending the event.
Annalie Rogers, a student at the school, read the Arbor Day proclamation, and trees were handed out for the attendees to plant.
It was the sixth-consecutive year the city had hosted an Arbor Day event, which is a part of recognition as a Tree City USA.
Coal Creek Coffee made 40 cups of hot chocolate to be served as part of the refreshments provided at the event.
To earn a Tree City USA designation, a city must have a tree commission and meet other criteria concerning planting and preservation of trees.
Norris, which will hold its Arbor Day event March 29, was the first Tennessee city to earn the Tree City honor, 45 years ago.