Arbor Day celebrated in Darlington
Photo by Samantha Lyles
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
City of Darlington employees joined with members of the Kalmia Garden Study Club on December 2 to celebrate Arbor Day by planting a new sugar maple tree in front of City Hall, replacing a cedar tree uprooted by Hurricane Matthew in October.
“This year, Hurricane Matthew took many trees from our streets. More than 100 fell across the city,” said Lisa Chalian-Rock, city planning director, noting that the sugar maple will make an attractive addition once it reaches maturity. “The brilliant yellow fall leaves will add a dash of color to the streetscape and this tree matches one we planted a few years ago at the Rose Garden on Pearl Street.”
The City of Darlington has received the “Tree City USA” award 19 years in a row – a designation earned by maintaining a Tree Board or Department, having a tree ordinance in city codes, spending at least $2 per city resident annually on tree planting and maintenance, and holding an Arbor Day celebration and official proclamation each year.