News & Press

49th Annual Arbor Day Celebration Honors Columbus’ Tree City Legacy and Rare Florida Torreya Planting

[Columbus, Georgia] – Keep Columbus Beautiful invites the community to celebrate National Arbor Day during its 49th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Chattahoochee Promenade located at 685 Front Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31901 (Next to Coca-Cola Space Science Center).

As the longest-running Tree City in Georgia, Columbus continues its proud legacy of environmental stewardship, tree preservation, and community education. This free, family-friendly event will bring together residents of all ages to celebrate the vital role trees play in enhancing quality of life, protecting the environment, and strengthening our community. A major highlight of this year’s celebration will be the planting of the Florida Torreya, one of the rarest and most endangered tree species in the United States. This significant planting represents a strong commitment to conservation and biodiversity, underscoring Columbus’s leadership in forward-thinking environmental initiatives.

In addition to the ceremonial tree plantings led by Eric Gansauer with Columbus Public Works, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, including:

• Free food • Educational demonstrations

• Free tree seedlings (while supplies last) provided by Trees Columbus

• Community vendors, giveaways, and face painting

Arbor Day highlights the importance of planting and preserving trees for future generations. Columbus’ continued designation as a Tree City reflects decades of dedication to environmental responsibility. Join us as we Go Green Together and celebrate trees, conservation, and community.

For more information, call 706-225-4008 or email kcbc1987@columbusga.org

For More Information, Contact:

Lisa Thomas-Cutts

thomascutts.lisa@columbusga.org

706-225-4014

Severe Weather Preparedness Week for the state of Georgia– February 2-6, 2026

[Columbus, Georgia] – As we approach what is typically the most active part of the year for severe weather, Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the dangers of severe weather and know how and when to take proper actions when severe weather is expected and hits. Please take time now to review your own preparedness plans. Each day this week, we will cover specific topics related to severe weather preparedness via our local media and social media outlets.

Monday (Feb 2) -- Family Preparedness (including NOAA Weather Radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts)

Tuesday (Feb 3) -- Thunderstorm Safety (Hail and Damaging Wind Threats & Impacts)

Wednesday (Feb 4) -- Tornado Safety ** WEATHER PERMITTING, at 9:30 a.m., we will test the outdoor warning sirens in conjunction with a statewide test.

Thursday (Feb 5) -- Lightning Safety

Friday (Feb 6) -- Flash Flooding & Flood Safety

For More Information, Contact:

Chance Corbett, Director of Emergency Management Corbett.chance@columbusga.org 706225-4300

Due to hazardous weather conditions, including possible icy roadways, the Columbus Consolidated Government departments will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Notice of Road Construction
Portions of 8th Street from Front Avenue to Veterans Parkway
[Columbus, Georgia] – Columbus Consolidated Government will begin the 8th Street Improvements Project
beginning January 26, 2026. Portions of 8th Street from Front Avenue to Veterans Parkway will be intermittently
closed to thru traffic. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes if possible. Additionally, rough pavement
conditions should be anticipated until the project is complete. The anticipated project duration is approximately 120
days.
Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to proceed with caution in the construction zone. All questions
regarding the project should be directed to Brennan Hoy at Hoy.Brennan@columbusga.org or 706-225-4441

MLK Tree Planting Event
Keep Columbus Beautiful and Trees Columbus plant trees in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
[Columbus, Georgia] – On Friday, January 16, 2026, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Trees Columbus,
Columbus Parks and Recreation, and Public Works are partnering again to plant trees in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. The tree planting will be held at Shirley B. Winston Park located at 5025 Steam Mill Rd. from
9:00am-10:00am.

• The purpose of planting trees is to enhance beautification and increase the tree canopy throughout
Columbus, while also honoring Dr. King for his service.

Trees Columbus and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light are donating trees through the Georgia Forestry
Commission's Trees Across Georgia grant program.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email us kcbc1987@columbusga.org or call 706.225.4008.

The Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission is asking everyone to adopt smart environmental practices, make
smart environmental purchases, reuse more products, recycle household waste, promote litter free events and
communities, plant trees, preserve and protect our water supply.
Make a smart choice! Accept our challenge to be a good steward of our most valuable natural resources. It’s up
to YOU, to keep Columbus beautiful.

For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Thomas-Cutts
Thomascutts.lisa@columbusga.org
706-225-4008