The City of Frederick will be celebrating Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The Arbor Day program will take place at Hillcrest Elementary located on Hillcrest Drive at 10:00 AM.
CONTACT: Susan Harding, Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Arbor Day Celebration Scheduled for April 18th
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Frederick, MD -- The City of Frederick will be celebrating Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The Arbor Day program will take place at Hillcrest Elementary located on Hillcrest Drive at 10:00 AM. Rain date is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2012
Frederick is the only City in the state of Maryland that has held the distinction of being a Tree City USA for 32 years. In order for a city to be honored, it must meet four standards set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. They are as follows:
• Possess a tree board or department
• Possess a community tree ordinance
• Possess a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita
• Hold an Arbor Day observance with a proclamation.
In addition to the Tree City USA award, the City has received the PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) Award for 16 years. The PLANT award is a state-wide award recognizing tree planting and tree care efforts in communities.
Each year the National Arbor Day Foundation provides the City with a Tree City U.S.A. flag. This year that flag will be presented to the participating school. In addition, other ‘Tree City U.S.A. flags and banners will adorn the downtown area in observance of the celebration. The downtown area flags were purchased through generous donations made by the following sponsors: Greenwalled Garden Club, Frederick County Forestry Board, Taskers Chance Garden Club, and The Garden Club of Frederick, in addition to a grant from the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Community Forest Committee.
The Arbor Day Program is an educational opportunity for the students and the community, promoting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of trees. Trees enhance our quality of life and add value to our community. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. For additional information, please contact Tom Rippeon, 301-600-1233.
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