Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  This year, the National Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 24. However, many, if not most, states observe Arbor Day on different days, depending on the best times for tree planting in their area. Alabama’s Arbor Day is the last full week of February. 

Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Foley are all preparing for their annual Arbor Day celebrations this February. These events focus on giving away free trees to community members. It is a long-standing tradition for these coastal towns. Officials hope to see many residents participate in the programs this year.

Gulf Shores

The City of Gulf Shores will hold its event on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This marks the 39th year the city has been named a Tree City. The giveaway starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Gulf Coast Eco Center. It will end at 10:30 a.m. or when the trees run out.

The Gulf Shores Beautification Board manages this annual program. Residents living within the corporate limits can choose three different trees. They must show proof of residency to participate. The city is offering five different types of oak trees to the public. The varieties include live oak, willow oak, and Nuttal oak. Shumard oak and overcup oak are also on the list. A small number of fruit trees will also be available. Each tree comes in a three-gallon container for easy planting.

City Arborist Chuck Owens will be at the Gulf Shores event. He and the Landscape Division team will answer questions. They plan to share professional planting tips with the public. Residents will also receive care guides for their new plants.

The event is located at 1650 Eco Trl. Visitors are invited to tour the new Eco Center campus. They can learn about local conservation programs during their visit. For more information, residents can call the Natural Resources Department at 251-968-9825.

Foley

Foley will hold its 45th annual celebration on Saturday, February 22, 2026. This ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market. The market is located at 20733 Miflin Road. One three-gallon container tree is allowed per family.

The Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board organizes this event. They want the community to help replace lost trees. A brief ceremony will start in the afternoon. The Foley High School Air Force Junior ROTC will perform the Presentation of Colors.

The Alabama Forestry Commission will attend the Foley celebration. Baldwin County Master Gardeners and certified arborists will also be there. They can answer any questions about local tree health. These experts help ensure the new trees grow well.

Boy Scout Troop 77 will help distribute the trees in Foley. Winning posters from a local contest will be on display. This event highlights how trees reduce erosion and cut cooling costs. They also produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach will host its tree giveaway on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The event runs from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. It will end early if the trees run out. The giveaway takes place at 4101 Orange Beach Blvd. in front of the Community Development Center, next to City Hall.

The city will offer live oak, magnolia, and hickory trees. They also have red maple, Leyland cypress, and citrus varieties available. These trees are provided in pots for the residents.

Woody Speed serves as the Orange Beach Coastal Regulatory Manager. He is currently looking for volunteers to help with the morning event. Interested people can call 251-981-1062 to sign up. Helping hands speed up the distribution process.