At its April meeting, Glad Garden Club mapped out its plans for Arbor Day 2021.
The group met Monday, April 12, at the Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center on the campus of East Georgia State College in Swainsboro and discussed how the Glad gardeners will celebrate the holiday: a tree planting ceremony on April 30 at 2 p.m. in honor and in memory of those who have been affected by COVID-19. A white dogwood tree will be planted at the entrance of Emanuel Medical Center following a short program. All first responders, survivors, and families are invited to attend.
During the meeting two weeks ago, members also heard about the history of Arbor Day, a holiday celebrated by the planting of trees with an emphasis on caring for them as a way to protect the planet’s natural resources.
Arbor Day began April 10, 1872 to the credit of journalist Julius Sterling Morton, who, along with his wife, purchased 160 acres of desolate land in Nebraska and, with the support of the agriculture board, led the challenge to plant trees. Reportedly, approximately 1,000,00 trees were planted that year.
Today, National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April, although some states celebrate at different times of the year to ensure the trees are planted in an environment best fit to thrive.
Prior to adjournment, Glad Garden Club welcomed new member BeeBee Connell of Swainsboro.
The club’s April meeting marked the first time the group convened since February. Glad Garden Club’s March meeting had to be rescheduled due to President Sylvia Durden’s sudden illness and subsequent emergency surgery. After many days in the ICU and continued hospitalization, Durden is now recuperating at home. The club sends their best to their beloved president and eagerly awaits her return.
Glad Garden Club is a member of the Oleander District of Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. as well as the Deep South Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc.