The City of DeFuniak Springs, FL is the birthplace of Arbor Day in Florida and celebrates the occasion with the Florida Chautauqua Association with a tree planting ceremony with notable or famous speakers attending the historic Florida Chautauqua Assembly.
The Association orchestrates the annual Assembly which is a 4-day educational program for families which mirrors the original, multi-week events which took place in DeFuniak Springs between 1885 and 1927. A notable speaker is chosen by the Association, and organization leaders approach the City Beautification and Tree Board to ask permission to plant a tree in their honor on the original, historic grounds of the Florida Chautauqua resort/campus located on Circle Drive. The notable/famous speaker joins in the tree planting ceremony which includes the Association's leaders, members of the City Beautification and Tree Board, the Mayor, and representatives from the Florida Forest Service.
The Association purchases a tree based on the recommendation of the City Beautification and Tree Board. The board selects an appropriate site in Chipley Park for the tree planting ceremony.