On Thanksgiving, people unite to give thanks.
On New Year’s, people unite to set resolutions.
But on Arbor Day, it’s a little different.
“We plant a tree,” said city arborist Meg Niederhofer.
Today at 11:45 a.m., another tree will be planted to celebrate Arbor Day at the Kirby-Smith Center, 620 E University Ave.
The 13-foot live oak is the last of 52 trees to be planted in honor of Gainesville’s 26 years as the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA.
Niederhofer said the city of Gainesville plants about 1,000 trees a year, two for each one it removes.
Attendees can count on taking part in the planting.
Traditionally, everyone picks up a golden shovel and helps add soil to the final tree.
Anita Spring, chairwoman of the City Beautification Board, said the tradition unites the community.
“If everyone picks up a golden shovel and everybody puts a shovelful of dirt around the tree, it sort of feels like their tree,” she said.
