Get free tree seedlings in Fairhope

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - On Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Faulkner State Community College, the City of Fairhope will celebrate Arbor Day.

In celebration, fifth grade students from Fairhope Intermediate School and J. Larry Newton School participated in the 2013 National Arbor Day Poster Contest sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The contest theme was "Trees are Terrific... from Acorn to Oak!"

Over 100 students participated in the contest. J. Larry Newton School poster winners are: Mia Astralaga (1st place), Dory McMillian (2nd place), Leighann Allen (3rd place) and Jordan White and Catherine Dasinger (Honorable Mention). Fairhope Intermediate School poster winners are: Elizabeth Hill (1st Place), Jacob Schmitt (2nd Place), Ashleigh Arnold (3rd Place) and Elizabeth Coleman and Natalia Mortellaro (Honorable Mention).

The winning posters will be sent to the Alabama Cooperative Extension to compete in the state poster contest.

First Place Arbor Day Poster Contest winners will receive a certificate at 10 a.m. in front of the John L. Borom Center at Fairhope's Arbor Day Celebration.

Beatification awards will also be presented 10 a.m. and free seedling distribution will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Seedlings will include: American Hornbeam, Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Mayhaw, Parsley Hawthorn, American Beech, Dahoon Holly, Southern Red Oak, American Snowbell and Winged Elm.

Ickes Tree Service and Chris Francis Landscapes and Tree Service will sponsor refreshments and a “Tree Question and Answer” session which will be ongoing throughout the morning.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Fairhope High School Jazz Band.

For information on the Arbor Day Festivities call 251-929-1466.