Tree City of Trenton-Forty One Years of Volunteerism
Director: Jande Dixon
For forty one years the City of Trenton has served as the sponsoring agency for Tree City
USA. As a nationally recognized program of the Arbor Foundation, one of the eligibility
standards requires an annual expenditure of $2.00 per capita on community tree care activities.
Forty one years ago, Altha Sells, the organizer of Tree City in Trenton, and the Mayor of
Trenton, established a relationship that has withstood the tornado and the changing of mayors
and Tree City directors. Prior to the present board and director, Eloise Gass faithfully carried on
the beautification.. As a volunteer program, community members strive to educate and plant
trees. The present board members dedicate volunteer hours to planning, implementing and
raising the awareness of the value of trees. Activities have included seniors, school age
students, and community members wishing to share in the benefits of trees in the environment.
After trees are planted, care and tree maintenance is required to ensure a fair chance of growth
for the trees.
The forty first Arbor Week in Trenton, this past February, included numerous opportunities
for the community to focus on tree plantings and seedling giveaways. Educational activities
occurred every day and five trees were planted in Trenton. A standard requirement is for one
tree to be planted on Arbor Day. The board is proud to have far exceeded the minimum
standard.
Tree City has a valued group of students in the Future Farmers of America program at Dade
County High School. Their volunteerism adds such a pleasant and helpful touch to activities
throughout the community.
Two creative upcoming forty first year functions of Tree City board are in process–one being
the completion of locating and identifying trees that have been planted by Tree City following
with the creation of a Tree Tour Map. The map will be available in the Historical Court House
and other public places for visitors and citizens to visit the sites of tree plantings. The second
major activity is an accessible and centrally located community garden. This garden would be
dedicated to the individuals that donate perennials to the development of the garden. This
project will require flower lovers that will share in the planning, development and maintenance
of this creation. By spring, this creation could take form but the planning work is before us now.
Community response to this idea will play a critical part in the development. Education,
volunteerism, and planting is a cornerstone to Tree City of Trenton and your help is needed.
Contact Jane Dixon at 423-580-9205, jane.dixon.2366 @gmail.com with your ideas, request
and willingness to support a community garden for all to enjoy. Tree City board members
include Renee Frank, Dade County High School FFA Instructor, Bobby Dunn, Georgia Forestry
Commission, Sandy White, Alliance for Dade President and CEO, Carey Anderson, Dade
County Government Communications Director, and Laura Beth Cunningham, UGA County
Extension Office Coordinator.
Forty one years will be behind us soon, forty two has a promise of more to come. Thanks to
all who read about, contribute, and support the efforts of Tree City of Trenton.
Submitted Article