St. Augustine is getting ready to observe its 42nd Annual Arbor Day in a celebration of nature and community, slated for 10:00am next Friday. The event, an emblem of the city's dedication to the environment, will be hosted at the historic Plaza de la Constitución, said the City of St. Augustine's official announcement.
Attendants can expect a heartfelt ceremony featuring comments from Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and Street Tree Advisory Committee Chair Fremont Latimer, who during the occasion, will also oversee the planting of a robust Oak tree—a symbol of the city's long-standing commitment to greening efforts, and Cathedral Parish School’s fifth-grade students will lift their voices in song, in a display meant to connect past with future generations, the city's newly appointed Poet Laureate is also scheduled to deliver their first poem in official capacity. For those looking to join the event live, the city is offering free parking at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.—just inform the attendant that you're there for Arbor Day, and in case of questions or if you're part of the media, reach out to Melissa Wissel, Communications Director.
Moreover, the STAR Circulator will provide complimentary shuffle service for attendees, starting from the Visitor Information Center at 9 a.m. It will conveniently drop riders off at the bus stop near the Plaza, and continue its regular route for the trip back after the ceremony—ensuring that transportation is the least of your worries.
Planting trees isn't the only goal of the day; the city staff will be distributing free tree saplings between 10:00am and 2:00pm at the Plaza and also via a drive-through lane at 25 W. Castillo Drive, with a variety of species including Sweet Bay Magnolia, Chickasaw Plum, Loblolly Pine, and Red Cedar—available while supplies last, so attendees can take a piece of Arbor Day home and foster growth in their own spaces.
