City of Bennettsville officials celebrated S.C. Arbor Day on Dec. 3 by planting a tree on the grounds of the Bennettsville Community Center.

In attendance were city council members, city employees, and community members.

Glenn Bunch, a member of the Board of Archecticural Review and Tree Committee, provided a red maple tree.

Mayor Carolyn Prince read a proclamation for the event. It read:

Whereas, the holiday called Arbor Day has been observed since 1872, and

Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and Whereas, Arbor Day in South Carolina is observed on the first Friday in December, and Whereas, trees reduce erosion, lower heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for homes, and countless other wood products, and Whereas, trees in Bennettsville increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and

Whereas, trees, whenever and wherever planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

Now therefore, I, Dr. Carolyn Prince, Mayor of the City of Bennettsville, do hereby proclaim the first Friday of December, as the City of Bennettsville’s annual celebration of Arbor Day.

I urge all citizens to celebrate this special day and support efforts to protect our trees, and Further, I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

Rosa Bright, a member of the Sunflower Garden Club, said Arbor Day represents hope for the future. “The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty – all for a better tomorrow,” she said.

Bennettsville has earned recognition as a 2018 Tree City USA. She added residents of Bennettsville should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority.

Bennettsville is one of more than 3,500 Tree City USAs, with a combined population of 150 million.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time,” Bright said. “Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use.”

She added Bennettsville was stepping up to do its part.

“As a result of our commitment to effective urban forest management, we are helping to provide a solution to these challenges,” Bright said.