Harford County to Celebrate Arbor Day 2010

From Harford County government:

(Bel Air, MD) – – Harford County Government will recognize Arbor Day 2010 during a ceremony Friday, April 2, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center located at 502 West Wheel Road Bel Air. The Arbor Day festivities will consist of planting tree seedlings, repairing and replacing existing tree shelters, as well as learning about the benefits of trees in ourcommunity. Exhibitors at the celebration will include the Harford County Department of Public Works, Water Resources Division; the Harford County Department of Public Works Environmental Affairs, Office of Recycling; Anita Leight Estuary Center; the Harford Forest Conservancy Board; Enviromentality; Harford County Public Schools’ Envirothon Program; and the County Executive’s Office of Community Relations.

Additionally, Harford County would like to recognize Daniel Kelble, who has been instrumental in the planning and organization of the Arbor Day plantings as a part ofhis Eagle Scout project. The Arbor Day 2010 activities mark Harford County earning the Tree City USA award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 7th consecutive year. The Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff, and citizens who plant and care for the community forest. Trees are a vital component ofthe infrastructure of our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits. The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. To qualify for the award, Harford County has an active Forestry Board, ordinances that govern tree care, a community forestry program and an Arbor Day celebration and proclamation.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at Harford Glen by 9:00 a.m. Civic organizations, school groups, scouts and individuals are invited to participate. Please bring a hammer, shovel, work gloves, and small pruning shears if you have them. For more information about the Arbor Day event, or to volunteer, please contact Betsey Greene, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 410-638-3103 ext. 1359.