Volunteers Invited to Plant Trees Friday, March 29 for Arbor Day

Volunteers are needed to help plant approximately 150 trees at the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center on Friday, March 29 in celebration of Arbor Day. Families, civic organizations, school groups, and Scouts are welcome. Everyone will receive a free native tree to take home.

This will be the 19th Arbor Day celebration organized by the Harford County Department of Planning & Zoning to plant native trees throughout the County. Since the celebrations began in 2003, Harford has planted over 33,000 native trees, including red maple, tulip poplar, white oak, black walnut, eastern red cedar, and redbud.

Participants should bring a hammer, shovel, and work gloves, if they have them, and arrive at 9:30 a.m. in the parking area at the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center located at 502 W. Wheel Road, Bel Air, 21015. Tree planting will begin at 10 a.m. and is expected to last two to three hours.

The event will feature demonstrations from local environmental organizations. The free native tree will be provided 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.

“Harford County’s Arbor Day event is fun for all ages and an opportunity for families to demonstrate their appreciation for and commitment to nature’s blessings that surround us,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “I hope you’ll join us.”

Trees reduce air and visual pollution, stabilize soil, and reduce water pollution through absorption. They also enhance property values and provide protection from the sun by reducing glare; reduce heat island effect by shading buildings and parking lots; and add beauty to our surroundings.

More information about this year’s Arbor Day celebration is available from the Department of Planning & Zoning, 410-638-3103 ext. 1352.