Harford County Government Seeks Volunteers for 13th Annual Arbor Day Celebration

From Harford County government:

Harford County government will celebrate Arbor Day 2015 on Friday, April 3 at Francis Silver Park, 2124 Shuresville Rd., Darlington. This will be Harford County’s 13th annual Arbor Day celebration, with volunteers planting various native tree species. County Executive Barry Glassman is planning to attend.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the celebration beginning at 10:00 a.m. Civic organizations, school groups, scouts and individuals are welcome to the event expected to last between two and three hours. Please bring a hammer and shovel, if possible.

A free native tree will be provided to all participants, courtesy of the Forest Conservancy District Board of Harford County, an advocacy group that promotes stewardship, conservation and sustainable use of Maryland’s Forest Resources.

This year’s Arbor Day celebration will also include the presentation of a National Arbor Day Tree City USA award to Harford County government. The Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest, which in turn benefits both the environment and the economy. The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization of nearly one million members whose mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

Since 2003, Harford County has planted nearly 32,000 trees in recognition of Arbor Day. Tree varieties native to the county include red maple, tulip poplar, white oak, black walnut, eastern red cedar and redbud.

Planting and conserving trees improves the quality of life by reducing air pollution, stabilizing soils and reducing water pollution by absorbing pollutants. Trees also enhance property values, and reduce noise and visual pollution. They provide protection from the sun by reducing glare, reduce the heat island effect by shading buildings and parking lots, and add beauty to the overall surroundings.

For more information about this year’s Arbor Day event, or to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Wilson, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 410-638-3103 ext. 1365.