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PHOTOS: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle plants a new tree in Big Spring Park to honor Earth Day 2022
Today is Earth Day, a day set aside to highlight the beauty of the planet and invest in initiatives that will protect the Earth for generations to come.
Huntsville city leadership got in on the action this morning with a ceremony in Big Spring Park. Read on for Mayor Tommy Battle’s proclamation and more information about Huntsville’s Green Team.
More green for Big Spring Park
Battle was joined by Brian Walker, Director of Landscape Management, and David Worley, Coordinator of Operation Green team. He also had a very special guest: Edwin Paz, a fifth-grade student at Mountain Gap Elementary in Huntsville who was the winner of this year’s statewide Arbor Day poster contest.
Walker and Worley each shared remarks and Battle read a proclamation acknowledging Earth Day.
Walker also highlighted the features that make Alabama unique and worth protecting.
“Today, we come together as a community to celebrate the 52nd Annual Earth Day. Today is also a day that we celebrate the rich biodiversity of Alabama. Alabama ranked fourth in the nation for biodiversity, with over 6,000 species in our state. This Earth Day, we celebrate the beauty of Alabama and join with over 1 billion people worldwide looking for ways to improve our planet.”
Brian Walker, Director, Landscape Management
After delivering remarks, Battle, Paz, Walker, Worley, and others worked together to plant a new oak tree in Big Spring Park between the Huntsville Museum of Art and the spring.
Join the Green Team’s mission in Huntsville
The theme of this year’s Earth Day was “Invest in our Planet.”
“The City of Huntsville is committed to investing in Huntsville’s green initiatives, including walking and biking, recycling, tree planting, and conservation of energy, air and water.”
Brian Walker, Director, Landscape Management
The city’s way to uphold that promise comes through the Green Team, a dedicated branch of city government whose purpose is to further green initiatives. The Green Team champions projects like
- Adopt a Mile-Spot-Stream
- Litter prevention
- Tree program
- Waste reduction and recycling
- Youth education
The Green Team also manages three nature preserves in Madison County:
- Dallas W. Fanning Nature Preserve, 258 Old Jim Williams Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35824
- Goldsmith-Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Taylor & Terry Drake Rd, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
- Hays Nature Preserve, 7161 US-431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Volunteer with the Green Team or donate online to support their initiatives in Huntsville and Madison County.
Celebrate in Huntsville this weekend
Want to continue the Earth Day celebration? Consider heading to the Hays Nature Preserve this weekend for a free, family-friendly Earth Day festival. The event lasts from 10AM-2PM and will feature food, face painting, educational exhibits and fun activities.
Also, don’t forget to check out the other events happening around town this weekend, like HSVegFest.
How are you celebrating Earth Day? Let us know by tagging @hvilleblast and using #hvilleblast.
