Hernando High students celebrate Arbor Day

Students from Hernando High School’s project Looking Ahead helped city staffers plant two cypress trees to celebrate Arbor Day.

The trees were planted Friday along the Good Neighbor Trail, at the intersection of South Brooksville Avenue and Russell Street.

The 25th annual celebration, hosted by the City of Brooksville’s Beautification Board, also commemorated Brooksville’s 20th year as a Tree City USA.

In addition to the yearly poster contest, Beautification Board Chairman Scott Renz planned burlap sack races, cornhole and other activities for students.

Beautification Board member Melissa Hemstreet gave a talk about Florida’s native trees, and Hernando County Forester Justin Draft was on hand to answer questions and pass out young longleaf pines for re-planting.

First place in the fourth annual poster contest was awarded to Amber Hodge. D.J. Escoffery took second place, and Jennifer Taylor won third place. Honorable mentions were awarded to Kendal Chase and Jeffrey Carver.

Many city staff members attended the event, as well as elected officials.