Happy Arbor Day!

Today we celebrate 48 years of Arbor Day! Even though we may not be able to gather, we can still celebrate trees while practicing social isolation. Here are some ideas to commemorate the day, along with some County Arbor Day facts.

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Feliz Dia del Árbol

Hoy celebramos 48 años del Dia del Árbol! Aunque no nos podamos reunir, aun podemos celebrar los arboles mientras practicamos distanciamiento social. He aquí unos datos sobre el Día del Árbol, junto con algunas actividades para este día tan especial. 

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Tree Sudoku

Trees have many benefits including improving air quality and capturing carbon, helping manage stormwater runoff, reducing stress levels and blood pressure and so much more! Learn more with this fun game of logic!

To get your copy of this game with instructions and answer key, click here or the image below. 

Did You Know?

Did you know that Prince George's County is recognized as a "TREE CITY USA" recipient for thirty-six consecutive years and is the only County in the state with this designation or that our official County tree is the Willow tree?

Check out these fun facts of DoE's Arbor Day tree planting accomplishments below. 

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¿Sabía Usted?

¿Sabía usted que el Condado de Prince George es reconocido como un recipiente de "TREE CITY USA" por treinta y seis a nos consecutivos y es el unico Condado en el estado con esta designación o que nuestra arbol oficial del condado es el roble de sauce?

Vea estos datos con los logros de siembra de arboles por el Dfa del Arbol de DoE.

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Become a Citizen Scientist

This Arbor Day you can become a citizen scientist and contribute valuable data without even leaving your yard! Sign up to be an observer with Budburst, iNaturalist, or Nature's Notebook.  By recording when your tree leafs out, flowers, forms fruit and changes color in the fall you provide important data for climate change scientists.  Your data can help to validate climate change models or help researchers understand how climate change affects different species. 

You can even organize your own campaign/challenge or just communicate with other observers.  Also, check the above-listed websites for educational resources as well as research articles based on observer data.

Identifying Invasive Species

Invasive plant species are those that are not native to the region and can damage the environment if not taken care of. Sometimes invasive plants can make nice ground cover, other times they can sneak into your foundation and cause issues. 

There is a plethora of information to help you identify these plants such as the iNaturalist app mentioned above. You can also confirm the plant is invasive by visiting the Department of Natural Resources' site here or the National Park Service's Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic resource here. 

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Tree Planting Programs

DoE has several programs to assist residents with planting new trees around their school, homes and communities. While there will be no community planting events, you can still take steps to “treevitalize” your neighborhood.  Applications can be submitted year-round. Questions? Email Carole Ann Barth at cabarth@co.pg.md.us.

Even during the current shut-down, most nurseries are still open - as agricultural businesses have been deemed essential. You may not be able to pick out your trees in person, but you can still get plants delivered or order online for curbside pick-up.  Check with the nursery or landscape company first to see how or if their operations and hours have changed.   

Tree ReLeaf Grant Through the Tree ReLEAF Grant Program, the County provides funds to community groups and municipalities for planting native trees and shrubs in public or private common areas. For more information, click here

Arbor Day Every Day Arbor Day Every Day provides free trees for schools to plant and maintain on school grounds. For more information, click here

Rain Check Rebates The Rain Check Rebate Program allows property owners to receive rebates for installing ‘Rain Check’ approved stormwater management practices. Residents can be reimbursed for the purchase price of tree(s) up to $150 per tree. For more information on rebates for trees and other eligible practices, click here.