Arbor Day may not be until Friday but two local organizations are getting an early start.

Ironton In Bloom and the DuPont/Haverhill/SunCoke Community Advisory Panel want the public to join in on a tree planting in the Eighth Street Park, located off Pleasant Street behind the Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services building.

The event, in recognition of Arbor Day on Friday, will be at 3 p.m. Thursday. The public is encouraged to attend this first step in developing the new community park.

The community advisory panel from the industrial companies paid for the tree as part of their beautification and give-back efforts.

Also, Ironton In Bloom and the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization will plant six lilac trees at 11 a.m. Friday, Arbor Day itself, along Center Street — between Third and Fourth streets — in downtown Ironton.