The city of Conyers will partner with the Georgia Forestry Commission, Rockdale County Master Gardeners and the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival on Friday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. to plant a tree at the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, located at the Georgia International Horse Park, in celebration of Arbor Day.

Mayor Vince Evans and employees from the city’s Planning and Inspections, Code Enforcement and Public Works divisions and the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP), in which the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center is located, will be present at the ceremonial tree planting. Mayor Evans will read a proclamation officially proclaiming Friday, February 24 as Arbor Day in the city of Conyers. City residents are encouraged to plant trees on their own properties throughout the month of February in celebration of Arbor Day. February is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs in Georgia because most newly planted trees will flourish if established in the winter months.

Along with the ceremonial tree planting, the first 20 attendees will receive free tree saplings courtesy of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Experts will also be on hand for tree planting and gardening tips to support pollinators and attract wildlife as residents prepare for spring. Conyers celebrates 31 consecutive years in 2023 of being named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.   

Following the program, nature center staff encourages attendees to explore the nearby trails to find “Treasures in the Trees.” The new month-long program kicks off February 24 and runs through March 24 prior to the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival at the GIHP on March 25-26. Several hidden paper blossoms will be attached to trees along one of the trails. Visitors who find the blossoms can turn them in at the festival’s information booth to receive a one-of-a-kind keepsake from featured festival artisan Jennifer Drake of Glass Creations.