By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Smokey Bear greets students from James Dawson Elementary during Huntsville’s Arbor Week celebration at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center.
Mayor Tommy Battle joins community leaders in planting a tree to mark Huntsville’s 35th year as a Tree City USA
Smokey Bear made a special appearance in Huntsville this week — and he wasn’t alone.
Local leaders, students and community partners gathered at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center to celebrate Arbor Week and recognize Huntsville’s 35th year as a Tree City USA.
The annual designation highlights the city’s long-standing commitment to urban forestry, tree preservation and environmental stewardship. During the ceremony, several individuals were recognized for their contributions, including John Allen, who received the Tree Hero Award for his role in establishing the Huntsville Tree Commission and strengthening the city’s tree canopy.
Students from James Dawson Elementary School added heart to the celebration. The young scholars read original poems and presented posters they created in honor of Arbor Day, reminding attendees that environmental responsibility starts early.
Smokey Bear — a longtime national symbol of wildfire prevention — greeted families and reinforced fire safety awareness. Members of the Alabama A&M FireDawgs were also on hand, connecting with students and sharing information about protecting both trees and communities.
The event concluded with a ceremonial tree planting behind the Legacy Center, symbolizing growth, sustainability and Huntsville’s continued investment in green spaces. Mayor Tommy Battle joined others in shoveling soil around the young tree as part of the observance.
While many associate Arbor Day with April, Alabama celebrates Arbor Week during the last week of February to align with the state’s optimal tree-planting season.
As Huntsville marks 35 years as a Tree City USA, the message remains clear: protecting the environment is a shared responsibility — one that spans generations.