DeKalb County Residents Are Encouraged to Plant A Tree in Honor of Arbor Day at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm

Proper tree-planting procedures and expert instruction regarding the basics of tree identification to be shared.

The E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, in partnership with the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Department and Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, will host a special tree planting program in honor of Georgia Arbor Day.

The Plant A Tree event will take place Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, located at 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, Arbor Day is set in February as the ideal time for planting and is purposed as a day for organizations, individuals and schools to reflect on the importance of trees. In addition, educational and community tree-planting events are typically coordinated and coupled with an official state ceremony.

“The Youth Farm is receiving a wonderful gift,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “I am grateful to the Georgia Urban Forestry Commission for their donation of seedlings to our Arbor Day event and am pleased that all attendees will receive tree seedlings.”

Presented by DeKalb County Certified Arborist Gregory P. Curtis, participants will learn the proper tree-planting procedures and will acquire expert instruction regarding the basics of tree identification.

DeKalb County Park Naturalist Jennifer McLaurin will also be present to educate participants about the history and future of the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, as well as assist with tree-planting.

“It has been an exciting time at the Youth Farm,” said McLaurin. “We have officially started hosting hikes, events and service projects, many of which have had amazing community participation.”

The ceremonial groundbreaking of the Youth Farm took place on April 19, 2021, following the creation of a draft master site plan by 13 Georgia Institute of Technology Design and Research Studio graduate students, and the approval of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

The 40-acre youth farm is currently in Phase I of development, which includes assessment, upgrading and installation of infrastructure and utilities, installation of the green house, raised beds, bee farm, and chicken coop, as well as the re-establishment of trails throughout the farm.

“As we continue through the buildout of the youth farm, it is my hope that many of DeKalb’s residents will become engaged in the opportunities it has to offer and be proud in the knowledge that they had a hand in its creation,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. 

Interested individuals should be prepared to bring work gloves and are encouraged to register at http://bit.ly/3HXj4Kr.

To learn more about the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm and stay abreast of each phase of the project, visit www.embarcyouthfarm.org and follow all social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @embarcyouthfarm.

For information regarding future Youth Farm events, please click here.

To schedule an interview with Commissioner Cochran-Johnson or request access to media coverage, Email amslocum@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-547-2696.