The Kentucky Division of Forestry and the City of Mayfield have partnered for a very meaningful celebration of Kentucky Arbor Day.
MAYFIELD, KY – Thousands of acres of trees were destroyed by December’s tornadoes. Now Mayfield is taking steps to replenish them one tree at a time.
They plant trees and encourage people to plan theirs.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry and the City of Mayfield teamed up Friday for a very meaningful celebration of Kentucky Arbor Day.
A desolate scene of broken limbs and broken branches is what remained in Mayfield after the storm.
“In early December, of course, the tornadoes passed,” said Bridget Abernathy of the Kentucky Forestry Division. “Much of western Kentucky and parts of central Kentucky, and with varying paths, left communities as well as rural areas heavily damaged.”
But there is hope for the future of trees in the region.
A desolate scene of broken limbs and broken branches was left in Mayfield after the storm.
People gathered in Harmon Park on Friday to step forward.
They planted a small oak tree.
The Kentucky Forestry Division also distributed seedlings, including bald cypress, northern oak and pecan.
Division experts say trees are good for the environment.
“Trees that are present in communities, in populations, tend to attract and retain tourists longer, as well as buyers, and increase property value,” Abernathy said.
“Having tall canopy trees is especially important for the environment,” Abernathy said. “They help capture air pollution particles, they provide shade and they also have value in terms of tourism.”
Plants are also useful for people.
“Trees that are present in communities, in populations, tend to attract and retain tourists longer, as well as buyers, and increase property value,” Abernathy said.
The US Department of Agriculture says trees also reduce heating and cooling costs by $2.1 billion each year.
Local leaders also spoke at the Arbor Day celebration, including people from Laurel Oak Garden and the Mayfield Graves County Tourism Commission.
