From Harford County government:
Harford County celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 22, 2011, with an event held at the Cedar Lane Regional Park located at 1100 Cedar Lane near Bel Air. For the eighth consecutive year, Harford County has earned the Tree City USA award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff, and citizens who plant and care for the community forest.
Arbor Day festivities officially began with a proclamation presented by Director of Administration Mary Chance to Betsey Greene of the Department of Planning and Zoning, who coordinated the event.
As part of the day’s activities, 900 seedlings and 37 five gallon trees were planted, including black locust, gray dogwood, redbud, sugar maple, sweetgum, Virginia pine, and white oak. The trees were selected based on their abilities to grow rapidly in the environment of Cedar Lane. The event also included displays, exhibits, and refreshments, as well as a free tree to each of the approximately 190 men, women, and children who participated.
The Harford County Arbor Day Celebration and Conservation Project was sponsored by Harford County Government and the Harford County Forestry Board. The plantings were made in accordance with the Harford County Forest Conservation law, which was enacted on July 18, 1991 to ensure that tree and forest resources continue to benefit the community.
During the past eight years, Harford County has observed Arbor Day by planting more than 29,000 trees on 109 acres. Additionally, nearly 22,000 linear feet of riparian buffer has been constructed by more than 1,300 volunteers.
Commenting on the Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation, County Executive David R. Craig stated, “We are delighted to once again be honored by the National Arbor Day Foundation with the prestigious ‘Tree City USA’ award. I congratulate the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Harford County Forestry Board, and all our partners who helped make this award possible.”
The Arbor Day Foundation began in 1972 on the 100th anniversary of the first Arbor Day. The foundation recognizes more than 3,300 communities through the Tree City USA program, which honors cities and towns that are committed to planting and nurturing trees.
Matt Spearman says
Anybody know how to get information for the next planting session? I am a member of the Arbor Day Foundation but they are nationwide, I would like local resources. Thanks for any help.