Destin marks Arbor Day with planting of tree at Kell-Aire Nature Walk Park

The Destin Parks and Recreation committee marked Arbor Day on Friday with a planting of a tree at the Kell-Aire Nature Walk Park in Kell-Aire Gardens. 

“What a beautiful day to plant a tree,” said Sandy Trammell chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. 

And the weather was perfect in the mid-70s with the sun shining. 

After the introduction of guests, Trammell read a proclamation, stamped with a city seal, declaring April 26 as Arbor Day in Destin. 

Aubrey Santucci of Coastline Tree Service, along with her husband, Guy, donated the Bosque lacebark elm that was planted in the park. The elm can grow as high as 60 feet. 

Aubrey, who is a certified arborist, was excited to be part of the celebration in Destin for the past 10 years.  

Although the banner displayed at the celebration said 20 years, this marked the 22nd year for Destin to be part of the Tree City USA program. Lisa Firth, director of parks and recreation, said Tree City USA doesn’t send out a banner every year, but they were still happy to be part of the program. 

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The Santuccis and Trammell invited the children to help shovel the dirt onto the tree, and they willingly obliged, grabbing the big shovels. 

After the planting, there was a marker installed near the tree to mark the day and the donation from the Coastline Tree Service.