Huntsville celebrates Arbor Day and commitment to urban forestry
Published on February 20, 2026
Mayor Tommy Battle, Council Member Michelle Watkins, community leaders, students and environmental advocates gathered today at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center to celebrate Arbor Day.
The event – hosted by the Huntsville Tree Commission with support from the City’s Green Team – featured proclamations, poetry readings, and colorful Arbor Day posters created by James Dawson Elementary School students. Mayor Battle presented an Arbor Day Proclamation before joining dignitaries for a ceremonial tree planting, an annual tradition that symbolizes Huntsville’s dedication to preserving green spaces.
Several awards were presented, including the Tree Hero Award, Tree City USA Award, and Tree Line USA Award recognizing individuals and organizations that champion urban forestry. A special proclamation honored John Allen for his contributions to Huntsville’s tree canopy.
“Trees are more than part of our landscape, they are part of our quality of life,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “They clean our air, provide shade, and make our city beautiful. Arbor Day reminds us to protect and plant for the future.”
Guests enjoyed an appearance by Smokey Bear, a fire prevention demonstration by the Alabama A&M FireDawgs and received free tree seedlings courtesy of the Alabama Forestry Commission.
“Urban forestry is critical to Huntsville’s sustainability and every tree we plant today, tomorrow and beyond benefits generations to come,” Landscape Management Director Brian Walker said. “We’re proud to partner with the Huntsville Tree Commission and community volunteers to expand our tree canopy.”
Huntsville has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 35 years, underscoring its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. Tree City USA is an annual national recognition program designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees, set foundational standards for communities of all sizes and celebrate community improvement. The Arbor Day Foundation also has awarded Huntsville with the Growth Award for the past seven years. The award recognizes Tree City USA communities for outstanding tree care and community engagement.