Governor O'Malley Reminds Citizens To Plant And Be Counted

DNR adds new incentives to encourage Marylanders to plant trees this fall

Frederick, MD (September 24, 2009) – On his visit to Frederick yesterday, Governor Martin O’Malley reminded Marylanders that fall planting season is upon us and announced new incentives for the Marylanders Plant Trees Program. Beginning this month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be holding monthly drawings to give away prizes for citizens who register their trees online.

“Trees improve the quality of our water, our air and our daily lives,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Planting a tree is a simple act with a big impact. By planting one tree, every Marylander can do his or her part to create a smarter, greener Maryland.”

Governor O’Malley introduced the Marylanders Plant Trees program – part of his Smart, Green & Growing initiative -- in fall of last year with a goal of planting 50,000 new trees by 2010, and Marylanders have heeded the challenge: nearly 17,000 new trees have been planted and registered to date.

To add incentive to the program, DNR will be giving away prizes every month, by a random drawing of those who register their trees. The prizes include overnight stays at the Rocky Gap Resort, yacht tours, Christmas trees and State Park passes. In cooperation with participating nurseries, the program also continues to offer $25 coupons toward the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more, and redeemable at nearly 70 nurseries across the State.

“Fall is an ideal time to plant a tree,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Planting after the leaves drop gives trees the chance to really take root through winter, to prepare for spring when they bud. It may take only a few hours to plant the tree, but the impact lasts for many, many years.”

Governor O’Malley kicked off the planting season Wednesday in Frederick at Capital for a Day. Frederick has more trees registered through the program than any other city in the state, registering about 2,700 trees in the Frederick area. Capital for a Day, launched by Governor O’Malley in 2007 brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.

DNR is encouraging Marylanders who to register every tree they plant. Not only will they be eligible for prizes, but they will be able to see the environmental benefits of their tree through interactive maps and charts. For more information and to register a tree go to http://www.trees.maryland.gov/index.asp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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