Arbor Day, January 21, 1989 proved to be the perfect day to plant trees on the barren tract of land behind Ronnie’s Truck Stop at 1-45 and Rayford/Sawdust.

The event was co-sponsored by NHA and the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. Chairman or the Chamber Beautification Committee Erin Arber (she takes a lot of ribbing about her last name) said 1,000 people attended.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “We started an hour early and were finished by noon.” Seventeen thousand seedlings were planted, including pines and hardwoods such as sweetgum and ash. In addition, a chili cookout was judged in the afternoon.