Tree plantings planned in area for Florida Arbor Day

Fans of trees and urban forests will have a field day on Friday, as a series of tree-plantings will take place in the area to mark Florida Arbor Day.

In a press release, Keep Manatee Beautiful said that trees play an important role in the long-term health of a community.

The following events will be taking place, the organization said:

• 10 a.m.: The city of Holmes Beach will be planting two Jamaican dogwoods donated by Keep Manatee Beautiful at 38th Street and Fifth Avenue, just south of Manatee Public Beach off Gulf Drive.

• 11 a.m.: The city of Anna Maria will be planting one red cedar donated by Keep Manatee Beautiful near the Anna Maria Historical Museum on Pine Avenue.

• 1 p.m.: The city of Bradenton Tree and Land Preservation Board, city of Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency, Manatee County government and Keep Manatee Beautiful will be at Norma Lloyd Park to plant butterfly trees, including Chickasaw plums, Little Gem magnolias, red bays, sweet bay magnolias and gold trees. Parking will be available on 13th Avenue East just west of 25th Street East.

• 3 p.m.: The city of Palmetto, Keep Manatee Beautiful and the Manatee County Fair Board will be planting two Eagleston hollies donated by Turner Tree & Landscape and one oak tree at the Manatee County Fair Grounds, 1303 17th St. W. in Palmetto, near the entertainment tent at the north entrance.