Arbor Day 2026 proved to be a major success in Calhoun, with strong community participation and hundreds of visitors turning out to celebrate and support local tree-planting efforts.
A total of 41 volunteers participated on Friday, followed by 56 volunteers on Saturday, helping with everything from speaking engagements to tree collection and planting. Their efforts helped make the annual event both organized and impactful.
Saturday’s event drew approximately 430 visitors, many of whom arrived with a clear plan in mind. Attendees had already considered which plants would best suit their landscapes, resulting in high demand for several popular varieties. Among the most sought-after trees were paw paw, persimmon, crabapple, and dogwood.
This year, participants had 21 different varieties to choose from, and most of the available trees were claimed by the end of the event.
For those who missed Arbor Day, there is still an opportunity to participate. A limited number of trees remain and will be given away on March 7 at the First Methodist Church parking lot. Additional details are available on the Keep Calhoun Gordon Beautiful website.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the many volunteers and community members who helped make the event a success, as well as to the City of Calhoun for its continued support. With this year’s celebration, Calhoun marks its 33rd year as a designated Tree City, continuing a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.