Members of the Moultrie City Tree Committee stand with a Southern Magnolia tree planted in 1845 by Mrs. George Tucker on the current courthouse square. The tree is the City of Moultrie's Tree of the Month. Pictured are, fromt left, Ron Burton, Warren Taylor, Amy Johnson, Craig Vines, Angela Castellow, Janet Sheldon, Peggy Bridges, Bob Hopkins and Freddie Farrell.

MOULTRIE — In an effort to develop the “green infrastructure” of Moultrie and Colquitt County, the Moultrie Tree Committee has begun to honor specific trees in the area.

The first tree so recognized is the much-loved magnolia on the Courthouse Square.

“The Southern magnolia is a beautiful, inspiring tree for all of Colquitt County to enjoy,” said a letter from the committee announcing the Tree of the Month campaign. “Little did Mrs. George Tucker realize back in 1845, more than 150 years ago, how much the tree she planted in her yard would be treasured.”

Many counties in the state of Georgia during the past decade have experienced significant loss of tree canopy, the committee’s letter said.

“Colquitt County is currently experiencing significant growth,” it said, “and the need to protect, replant and consider the value of trees in neighborhoods, cities, and counties must be recognized.”

The Moultrie Tree Committee is dedicated to education efforts and preservation as well as development of the urban forest in Moultrie and Colquitt County. Trees provide communities with many economic, ecological and social benefits.

Trees shade and cool, increase property values, prevent water runoff and soil erosion, improve water quality, reduce energy use, clean the air, and enhance wildlife habitats. They even help reduce stress and help people recover from illness more quickly, according to the Georgia Model Urban Forest Book, published in 2001.

Another benefit of trees is they provide oxygen. A large tree can provide the oxygen required for four people.

Trees provide many benefits to the environment, so the Moultrie Tree Committee wants to place trees in the spotlight. The committee would like to recognize a Tree of the Month for each month of 2007. The magnolia at the courthouse was named the January Tree of the Month, but it is only one of many beautiful trees in Colquitt County.

The committee is asking residents to submit photos of notable trees, a favorite tree, a beautiful tree, an unusual tree or even a tree with a history in the community. The photo should include the tree and its owners. Please include any interesting history surrounding this tree, if it is known.

Submit entries to Ron Burton, City of Moultrie, P. 0. Box 3368, Moultrie, GA 31776.