Feb 23, 2026 - News
Photos du jour: Smokey and the mayor
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Local leaders gathered at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center to celebrate Arbor Day and recognize those making sure Huntsville remains a Tree City.
The big picture: Huntsville's 35th year as a Tree City USA was noted, and awards were given out including the Tree Hero Award, awarded to John Allen for his work establishing the Huntsville Tree Commission and efforts to bolster the city's canopy.
- The event included students from James Dawson Elementary, who read poems and showcased posters they made in honor of Arbor Day.
- Smokey Bear, and the Alabama A&M FireDawgs were on hand to talk about fire safety and trees, and a tree was planted behind the center to mark the occasion.
Yes, but: Isn't Arbor Day in April?
- Nationally, yes, though different states set different dates to align with the best tree-planting times. For Alabama, that's the last week in February.