By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce gave back to the community with the gift of trees, replacing those hurricanes Dennis and Ivan stole.
According to Chamber executive director Emilie Mims, more than 100 trees were given away March 6-7 at Heritage Park.
Mims said those who wanted a tree were limited to one.
The tree giveaway was a part of the community relief program the Chamber started following Hurricane Dennis in an effort to reforest the community. The trees were funded by a $2,000 matching grant from the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D).
Mims said Escambia County extension coordinator Buck Farrior was instrumental in the efforts of receiving the grant.
The majority of that money went to buying the trees and containers that were given to the citizens of Atmore.
Farrior was at the tree giveaway giving instruction on how to plant them properly.
The Gulf Coast RC&D meets many needs of Escambia and surrounding counties, according to office manager Elaine Whittington.
The trees provided with this grant were five to six feet tall and were a variety of hardwood including oaks, hickories, maples and larger shade trees.
Mims said having an abundance of trees is important for many reasons, one being electricity bills.
Some reasons to plant trees found at the National Arbor Day Foundation Web site, www.arborday.org, include: