The community is invited to a celebration of trees Friday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee in conjunction with Keep Dawson County Beautiful will meet at 2 p.m. in honor of Arbor Day, held in Georgia on the third week of February each year.

Keeping with tradition, the group will also award several individuals for their commitments to preserving the county's rich natural resources, specifically trees. The county's top trees will also be awarded.

"A tree will be planted in honor of this year's 2013 Dawson County Tree Preservationist of the Year," said Karen Armstrong, chairwoman for Keep Dawson County Beautiful.

Arbor Day has been celebrated in Dawson County for eight years and is recognized annually with a proclamation by the local board of commissioners.

"Trees are a renewable resource ... increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community," said Commission Chair Mike Berg. "We urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

"We urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations."