The Town of Farmville will celebrate Arbor Day this spring by sponsoring a tree seedling give-away on Saturday, March 26. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until noon in front of the Farmville Wal-Mart. This year's choices of trees include Loblolly pine, White pine, Shortleaf pine, Pin oak, and possibly others. Farmville's 2011 Arbor Day is sponsored by Wal-Mart, Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners, and our local Department of Forestry, in addition to the Town of Farmville Tree Board.

The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska. Since that time all 50 states now celebrate Arbor Day although the date varies from state to state in keeping with local climate and local preference. Arbor Day reminds us just how important trees are to our everyday existence. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. They reduce the intensity of wind at ground level and cool the air with their shade. Trees reduce soil compaction by diminishing the impact of heavy rains and reduce rapid run-off of water into our streams with their root systems and leaf canopy. Trees provide wood for construction and furniture and create favorable habitats for other plant and animal life. Equally important is the infinite beauty and diversity that trees bring to our world.

The seedlings to be given away are purchased from the Virginia Department of Forestry through our local forester, Patrick Murphy, with funding from the Farmville Wal-Mart, our local Master Gardeners, and the Town of Farmville. Representatives from the Master Gardeners will be on site to assist the Tree Board in handing out the trees and to answer questions about planting and caring for the trees.

In addition, the Town of Farmville is again sponsoring a tree photo contest as part of the 2011 Arbor Day observance. For more information go to the town's website, www.farmvilleva.com or email the town horticulturist, David Fowlkes, at dfowlkes@farmvilleva.com.

Remember to stop by the Arbor Day booth at the Farmville Wal-Mart on Saturday, March 26, between 9 a.m. and noon.