Stealing An Empress: Illegal Harvesting Of Maryland Paulownia Trees For The Asian Bridal Industry
July 16, 2008
With blades and ropes, they came for her in the night. Neighbors heard only the roar of a motor and the squeal of the getaway, before awakening to find their empress was gone.
It has been several years now since local police have logged reports for any stolen Paulownia trees, also known as the empress or princess trees, but the inconspicuous plant is still widely cherished in the Far East because of its traditional and mystical functions. Continue reading Stealing An Empress: Illegal Harvesting Of Maryland Paulownia Trees For The Asian Bridal Industry
Harford County People Love Nurturing Trees
May 30, 2008
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Forestry Board recently announced the winners of the 2007 PLANT - People Loving And Nurturing Trees - Awards. A dozen Harford County entities received PLANT awards this year, including local governments, schools, community organizations and even military installations.
People Loving And Nurturing Trees (PLANT) is a statewide award program to recognize communities for their tree planting and tree care efforts. Communities range from schools, homeowner organizations and parks to metropolitan areas, cities and towns.
There are four PLANT award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Green. Successive levels require more formalized tree care activities. Although a community may remain at any level for an unlimited number of years, the goal of the program is to encourage a community to grow through the award levels by strengthening their commitment and care for their urban trees.
