By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The City of Darlington celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, Dec. 6, and city officials joined members of the Beautification Board and Tree Board for a ceremony on South Main Street.
Lisa Chalian-Rock, City of Darlington planning director, said the ceremony site was near seven newly planted Yoshino Cherry trees, which were placed along this corridor to provide additional color for this main entrance into the city.
Rock added that Darlington has recently received 54 trees from a Palmetto Pride grant, has five new crepe myrtles for West Broad Street, and seven Yoshino Cherry trees for South Main.
She noted that Darlington has received the Tree City USA award for 21 consecutive years. Four requirements must be met to qualify for this award: The city must have a tree board or department, have a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per person living in the city on tree planting and maintenance and have an Arbor Day proclamation and celebration.
Mayor Gloria Hines read the Arbor Day proclamation, which included some history on this holiday, which began in 1872 when the state of Nebraska designated a special day dedicated to the planting of trees. More than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the original Arbor Day, and the holiday is now observed throughout the United States and in many countries around the world.
“Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,” Hines read. “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And trees, wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”
