State rep., sustainability scientists partner with Stonecrest for free tree giveaway on Arbor Day

Stonecrest — State Rep. Regina Lewis Ward and sustainability scientist Charlene King appeared before the Stonecrest City Council on Dec. 18 to announce a free tree giveaway funded through a USDA Forest Service partnership with the Georgia Tree Council and the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Ward said the event is intended to expand Stonecrest’s urban canopy to improve resident health and neighborhood resilience. Charlene King, a sustainability scientist, told council the organizers will provide trees free to residents, landlords and property owners, and asked the city to schedule the giveaway for Feb. 21, 2026 (Arbor Day activities). King distributed an advisory and handouts with resources and offered to work with the city arborist, events coordinator and volunteers.

King noted that while Stonecrest already employs a city arborist and has a tree protection ordinance, designation as a Tree City USA requires three elements — a tree ordinance, a city arborist, and allocation of 2% of the municipal budget for tree care — and said the designation helps attract funding and resources. Mayor and council members agreed to follow up: staff and the city arborist will coordinate logistics with Representative Ward’s office and the event partners; Tiffany (staff/event coordinator) will follow up with the representative’s office.

The council expressed support; staff said they had the date locked down and would coordinate with a sister city (Stockbridge) to expand the event’s reach. Charlene King offered additional handouts tailored to Stonecrest and said she will provide electronic materials for staff distribution.

Next steps: staff to confirm event logistics, assign arborist and events staff to coordinate volunteers and distribution, and follow up on Tree City USA requirements if council elects to pursue designation.