The Lord likes trees, Arbor Day event organizer Dave Hinderliter joked as community members gathered at Veterans Memorial Park on Feb. 17 underneath sunshine and warm temperatures.

Dawson County Arbor Day celebrations coincided with the state celebration of the day. While Arbor Day is celebrated nationally on the last Friday in April, different states and localities mark the occasion on different dates.

According to Hinderliter, Arbor Day is celebrated in February in Georgia because its in the middle of the states growing season.

Trees donated by Kinsey Family Plant Nursery were planted prior to the ceremony, and dedicated to Clark Beusse and Judy Baer.

She is a wonderful person, Hinderliter said about Baer.

If you want something done, and she wants to do it, its done.

Also at Arbor Day, trees part of the Champion Tree program in Dawson County, were recognized.

These trees, nominated by members in the community, are measured by their circumference, height and crown spread.

They are then awarded points based on the states program.

Tony Page of the Georgia Forestry Commission presented four trees that had been nominated, including the new state champion, a chestnut oak nominated by Mark Short of Dawson County.

If you know of a nice tree, nominate it, Page said. Page can be reached at 706-265-3707.

Prior to leaving the event, attendees were able to pick up cherry bark seedlings to plant at their homes, donated by the Georgia Forestry Commission.