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<p><strong>From staff reports&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>The City of Beaufort and the Beaufort Garden Club will celebrate South Carolina Arbor Day on Friday, Dec. 3, with a collaborative project at the Duck Pond at First Boulevard and Battery Creek Road.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The City’s Parks Division staff and Garden Club members will be planting three trees: a cassia tree donated by the Garden Club, a high rise oak tree, and a Tuscarora crape myrtle.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The event will start at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be available, and well as information about the trees. Mayor Stephen Murray and representatives from the Garden Club are expected to speak. The public is invited to attend.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>For 30 years, the City of Beaufort has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Beaufort has received this national award in recognition of its commitment to its trees and urban/community forests. Criteria for this award include having a tree ordinance, a tree board (Park &amp; Tree Advisory Committee), a community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“Gaining Tree City USA recognition is an honor to the tree workers, managers, volunteers, PTAC members and others who work so hard on behalf of our community trees,” said Parks Supervisor Adam Wellins. “It is a time when we reflect on the beauty of trees and recognize the benefits and dynamic nature of our e</p>
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