Maryland Celebrates Arbor Day April 2
Tree Planting Opportunities Scheduled Around the State

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service encourages citizens to go outside and celebrate Maryland’s Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 2.

“Arbor Day is an excellent occasion to enjoy and explore the natural spaces that make Maryland unique,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “It is also an opportunity to fulfill the personal responsibility we all share in keeping Maryland clean and green.”

A variety of events will be occurring throughout the month, across the state to mark the occasion.

Forestry for the Bay Launch
Friday, April 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2232 Bulls Sawmill Road in Freeland (Baltimore County)
Attend an Arbor Day ceremony and forest stewardship workshop in northern Baltimore County. Forestry for the Bay promotes the importance of sustainable forest management practices to landowners in order to have healthier trees, cleaner air, and cleaner water flowing to the Chesapeake Bay. RSVP required by calling 410-267-5723 or emailing chighfie@cheasapeakebay.net.

Davidsonville Park Tree Planting
Saturday, April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Davidsonville Park, 3042 Patuxent River Road in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)
Bring your work gloves and shovels to help plant 50 large, native trees along the path leading toward the river. Native shrubs and smaller trees along the buffer area will also be planted. Seedlings will be available for scouts to plant on location for badge work. Contact Terry Galloway at galloway@dnr.state.md.us for more information.

Tree and Shrub Planting Project
Saturday, April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Windy Ridge and Village Gate Parks on Prospect Road, near the American Legion in Mt. Airy (Frederick County)
This planting project includes 595 native shrubs in Village Gate Park and 120
native trees at Windy Ridge Park, improving wildlife habitat and water quality
in Woodville Branch, a tributary of Linganore Creek. Bring gloves, shovels,
and drinking water. Bringing wheelbarrows, buckets or garden carts along will assist in
spreading mulch and are highly encouraged. Learn about native trees and shrubs and
other ways that you can help improve the health of our streams. Contact Patty Williamson at pattywilliamson@comcast.net or 301-829-1593 for more information.

Celebration of Trees
Saturday, April 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., $2 per person
Patapsco Valley State Park, Avalon/Glen Artney Area (Baltimore County)
Join park officials for a fun hike to explore the importance of trees to life on earth. Meet up at Lost Lake. Contact the Park at 410-461-5005 for more information.

Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cunningham Falls State Park, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road in Thurmont (Frederick County)
Help plant native tree saplings and clean-up litter sites in the state park. Adults and children of all ages can lend a hand. All that is needed is a sturdy pair of boots and protective gloves. Seedlings, planting tools and trash bags will be provided. The event will be held rain or shine. Required RSVP required by calling 301-271-7574 or emailing avecchio@dnr.state.md.us.

Arbor Day Celebration Tree Planting
Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., $2 per in-state vehicle, $3 per out-of-state vehicle
Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland (Garrett County)
Help plant native tree saplings. Volunteers should wear protective boots and bring work gloves. Seedlings and planting tools will be provided. All ages are welcome and the event will be held rain or shine. For information contact Eric Savage at 301-334-9180.

“Trees help to provide many important environmental benefits to Maryland citizens, wildlife and waterways, including our precious Chesapeake Bay,” said Steve Koehn, Maryland Department of Natural Resources State Forester. “Trees mitigate greenhouse gases that cause climate change, and they improve air and water quality.”

DNR encourages Maryland residents and businesses to contact a local forester to learn about planting native species and sustainable forestry in their communities and backyards. The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee's Guide to Community Forest Assistance Programs is also available to identify and contact tree planting and conservation programs to fit individual needs.

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March 28, 2008

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 katurner@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.