Two Japanese Maples were planted in front of Clanton Intermediate School on Thursday, in honor of the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest winners.

Planting new trees at the school has become an annual tradition in conjunction with Arbor Week, which is Feb. 21-27.

Local arborist and Clanton Tree Board member Dan Nolen said the Japanese Maple is a red-leafed tree that enhances landscapes.

“In the fall, it’s really beautiful with brilliant colors,” Nolen said. “These trees are planted in honor of the poster contest winners.”

This year’s winners are Clanton Intermediate fifth-graders Anna Calhoun (first place), Landon Schmidthorst (second place) and Juliyanne Rutherford (third place).

Calhoun’s poster will be sent to Anniston, where it will be entered into the state level of the contest.

CIS Principal Dennis Cobb thanked the Beautification and Tree Board, the city garden crew and all who assisted. In turn, the board members thanked the school’s staff including counselor Lisa Baker.

“Every year the city of Clanton sponsors this contest and donates trees to our school,” Cobb said. “We appreciate it.”

Tuesday the city will partner with the Alabama Forestry Commission to give away 3,000 tree seedlings. The give-away will begin at 9 a.m. in front of Clanton City Hall and last until supplies run out.