The Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee last week honored the woman responsible for organizing Keep Dawson County Beautiful more than a decade ago.

In conjunction with the county's Arbor Day celebration, a Rising Sun Eastern Redbud was planted at Fire Station No. 2 on Liberty Drive, near Tractor Supply on Friday to recognize Jane Berg.

"Every year we do like to plant a tree and honor someone in the community who has done usually big things that help unify the community and kind of help to promote the spirit of conservation," said Clark McAllister, chairman of the tree conservation committee and county extension agent.

In 2002, Berg spearheaded efforts to mobilize a group of citizens interested in bringing meaningful change to Dawson County through quality of life services including litter prevention, solid waste planning and coordination, environmental education, beautification and conservation.

Berg, can also take credit for organizing Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful before moving to Dawson County, said she was humbled by the gesture.

"I couldn't have done it without the earlier pioneers. It's just a remarkable organization and I hope to continue somewhat in this next year in it," she said.

Robbie Irwin is the executive director of Keep Dawson County Beautiful.

"You've done an amazing job with this program. It wouldn't be here without your and others' really hard work, and we're going to continue on making it a better program each and every year," he told Berg.