Millennium Green - a Clinton White House Millennium Council initiative - heralded a series of national programs designed to encourage private and public organizations and individuals to develop partnerships to promote healthier living environments through activities such as planting trees, adopting forests, and creating community gardens. The City of Madison participated in two unique programs - the Century Tree Challenge and the Millennium Grove.
THE CENTURY TREE
Participation in the State of Georgia's Century Tree Challenge means that by proclamation this Century Tree will be cared for and nurtured for the next 100 years. After completion of a two-year maintenance program this tree becomes part of the state's official registry.
GEORGIA'S MILLENNIUM GROVE
- Willow Oak
- Planted on Arbor Day in the James E. Owen Arboretum at the Morgan County Elementary School, where six outdoor "living" classrooms have trees linked to American events or people (such as the Sycamore tree, the offspring of one at Appomattox Courthouse, where Generals Lee and Grant ended the Civil War)
- Officially listed as part of the Governor Roy Barnes Millennium Grove
As part of Madison's 2000 Arbor Day activities, this tree was planted in commitment to the greening up of America for the new Millennium. The tree represents part of the unique character of the State of Georgia as a participant in the USDA sponsored Millennium Grove and White House sponsored Millennium Green programs.
