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Volunteers came together, in rain and shine, to give back to Mother Earth.

Arbor Day is nationally recognized on the last Friday in April, but due to weather, each state celebrates at different times throughout the year.

Mayor Dorothy Hubbard proclaimed that Albany's Arbor Day falls on February 15th this year and both the City of Albany and Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful are coming together to celebrate in two parts.

On a sunny, Friday, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Judy Bowles, Kay Kirkman and Mayor Dorothy Hubbard presented a 200-gallon live Oak tree to fifth graders at Live Oak Elementary School. The students took time from their studies to help shovel dirt to finish the planting process of this tree.

Amir Roundtree, a fifth grader at Live Oak Elementary, says that he learned that trees are very important to our environment and that  "you always get something from planting a tree; not only does it help our environment, but you look at it a different kind of way and you understand what Arbor Day really means to you."

On a cold, rainy, Saturday, volunteers from Turner Job Corps and Key Club members came together to plant twenty-four trees at the First Tee of Albany behind the Civic Center.

Ili Si Malone, a city Arborist, says that trees are important because "we really can't breathe without trees. They produce oxygen and sequester carbon. Not only are they beautiful to look at but they offer many benefits. Studies show that there is less crime where trees are planted; at nursing homes and hospitals, patients can look out at trees and recover faster."

Not only are there immediate benefits to planting trees, but benefits continue for future generations to enjoy as well.

Each year, thousands of volunteers donate their time to help keep protect our environment so that it is around for future generations. If you would like to volunteer, contact Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful at 229-430-5257.