The City of Pembroke joined communities across Georgia on Feb. 15 in celebrating Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony. During the ceremony, two live oaks were planted at the entrances of the municipal parking lot in downtown Pembroke.

Over 50 guests and visitors, including the Pembroke Garden Club, city council members, the Mayor, city staffers, Georgia Forestry Commission, North Bryan Chamber of Commerce members and area government officials were on hand for the celebration.

The Georgia Forestry also provided cypress, pecan and dogwood seedlings to ceremony participants.

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.

Following the ceremony, Mayor Judy Cook and City Planner Wynn Carney awarded t-shirts to Bryan County Head Start Arbor Day Coloring Contest winners.

The first place winner was 4-year-old Taylor Spivey, second place went to 5-year-old Joshua Lemons and third place was awarded to 4-year-old Courtney Newmans. The winning pictures will be on display at City Hall.

"We always try to involve kids in all of our city functions and celebrations. Trees are so important to our planet and the kids all understand that," Cook said. "They did a great job with the coloring contest."

If you are interested in planting trees in your yard or business, some of the recommended trees for our area: apricot trees, apple trees, sugar maple, live oak, scarlet oak, red oak, tulip tree, paper birch, bald cypress and pine trees. For more suggestions or other information about Arbor Day visit www.arborday.org.