George Bengson, director on the Auburn Tree Commission, presented a program on the importance of trees in our community. In 2004, Auburn was honored as a Tree City USA recipient by the National Arbor Day Foundation—the city's 21st year for this recognition.

In February, the commission will continue its tradition of giving away free dogwood and cherry bark oak seedlings as a way to enhance our city's appearance. About 30 seedlings were recently planted in the new Town Creek Park, which will be known as the Historic Trees Trail. These seedlings were from parent trees with connections to historical figures and locations like Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, Booker T. Washington and our own Toomer's Corner.

George Bengston (second from left) is pictured with Club President Debbie Shaw and program hosts Becky Richardson and David Watkins (second from right and right, respectively)