Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee Chair Dave Hinderliter opened the fifth annual Arbor Day celebration prior to a demonstration by Tony Page, Georgia Forestry Commission ranger and Clark Beusse, Dawson County extension agent, presenting the criteria used in determining how nominated trees become Champions in the county’s Champion Tree Program. 

This year is a first for participation in the Champion Tree Program for Dawson County. 

The following were selected as Champions: 

Erwin & Mary Ann Topper, Leyland Cypress State Champion
Debby Kittle, American Beech
Edna Gazaway, Water Oak
Jean Denard, Post Oak
Harley Bennett, Red Mulberry
Ben & Mary Joe Overstreet, Pecan
Ben & Mary Joe Overstreet , Loblolly Pine
Ragin & Joann Hause, Black Cherry
Ragin & Joann Hause, Southern Red Oak
Ragin & Joann Hause, Black Walnut
Butch Reagan, White Oak
State Of Ga –DNR, Virginia Pine
City of Atlanta, Northern Red Oak State Co-Champion
Butch Reagan, Common Persimmon State Champion
Carolyn Sweatman, Yellow Poplar
Carolyn Sweatman, American Holly
State of Georgia-GFC, Chestnut Oak
State of Georgia-GFC, Pignut Hickory

The celebration continued with presentations by the Dawson County Tree Preservation committee along with Keep Dawson County Beautiful for Dawson County Tree Preservationists of the Year. Veterinarian Brandon (Doc) Mills and developer Kurt Krattinger were named Commercial Tree Preservationists of the Year for their preservation efforts during the construction of the Dawson County Humane Society shelter. The Overstreet Family Farm was named Residential Tree Preservationists of the Year. 

Margie Weaver was bestowed an award by the Dawson County Woman’s Club for her long service at the Dawson County Senior Center. A red maple was planted at Veteran’s Memorial Park in her honor.
The Kinsey Family Farm contributed two black walnut trees, installed at Rock Creek, to honor the preservationists. 

Everyone in attendance received a seedling and rain gauge from the Georgia Forestry Commission.