The town of Southern Pines will launch a program Friday -- Arbor Day -- that will recognize trees based on size, history and uniqueness.

During the annual Arbor Day ceremony at 1 p.m. this Friday, the town will officially announce the "TREEmendous" program and hand out brochures with information on how to nominate a tree.

The ceremony will be held behind the Southern Pines Public Library, and participants will take part in the planting of an oak tree.

"The point is to raise awareness about the trees in Southern Pines," says Gregg Davis, building and grounds superintendent for the town of Southern Pines. "We have very old trees here that have been allowed to grow and mature."

The Southern Pines Appearance Commission, together with the town's Buildings and Grounds Department, are inviting the public to take part in the program by nominating trees on either public or private property for recognition.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's print edition of The Pilot.