Smyrna city officials and the Smyrna Tree Board are highlighting more than 30 trees in the city’s arboretum through artful “yarn bombing” installations for the Smyrna Tree Scarves project.
The scarves will be unveiled to the public during an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Gazebo, Smyrna Arboretum, 200 Village Green Circle SE next to the Smyrna Community Center.
The scarves will stay up on the trees through Oct. 27.
Visitors to the arboretum will be able to walk through the installation and learn more about each tree and knitter by reading specially made tags for each tree scarf.
Also, several events will be held throughout the installation to further educate the public about the importance of trees.
They include free tree yoga on Aug. 18, sponsored by Giving Tree Yoga, and an arborist-led tree walk on Sept. 14.
“Yarn bombing” is a form of street art defined as the action or activity of covering objects or structures in public places with decorative knitted or crocheted material.
The project was conceived by the Smyrna Tree Board to raise awareness and advocate for the care and beauty of the city’s urban forest.
Beyond the art installation, the project includes a series of educational experiences, with local school classroom activities, community knitting sessions and a large-scale community marketing effort.
“We have been thrilled with the community support for the Smyrna Tree Scarves project,” said Smyrna Tree Board member and project leader Shaun Martin.
“With more than 50 knitters and multiple community partners participating, we are excited about the widespread love being shown for our city’s trees,” Martin added. “It has also allowed strangers to become friends, and there is tremendous beauty in that.”
The Smyrna Tree Board is a volunteer-based committee that advises the Mayor and Council on matters pertaining to the conservation of trees and the conservation of tree canopy cover within Smyrna.
Board members also provide public education opportunities throughout the year.
Information: facebook.com/events/2327005997565789
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