PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CELEBRATES 40 CONSECUTIVE YEARS AS A TREE CITY IN HONOR OF ARBOR DAY

PRESS RELEASE

 

For immediate release:
April 25, 2024

For more information, contact:
Britt Garner, Public Information Officer
Department of the Environment
BGarner@co.pg.md.us; 301-883-5985

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CELEBRATES 40 CONSECUTIVE YEARS AS A TREE CITY
IN HONOR OF ARBOR DAY
County marks 152^nd anniversary of Arbor Day celebrations

LARGO, MD – Today, Prince George’s County officials joined members of the Prince George’s County Beautification Committee (PGCBC), volunteers, and the staff and students of Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center to plant over 20 native trees and shrubs in honor of Arbor Day. The trees were planted on the grounds of the school located in Beltsville.  

“The Committee was delighted to plant native trees with the students and educators from Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center in Beltsville alongside supportive partners such as the Department of the Environment (DoE), the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T), and the Neighborhood Design Center and many others to share our vision for a greener future for generations to come,” says James Roberson, Instructional Specialist for Environmental Literacy and member of the Prince George’s County Beautification Committee.

DoE Deputy Director Adriana Caldarelli presented the Committee and Principal of Frances Fuchs Early Childhood Center, Lauri Hay, an Arbor Day proclamation affirming the importance of trees for our physical well-being, healthy ecosystems, and overall environment.

“It’s vital to recognize the impact that tree planting can have on our children,” says Adriana Caldarelli, Deputy Director of the Department of the Environment. “Trees not only enhance the beauty of our surroundings and protect our environment, but they symbolize resilience and a commitment to nurturing young minds.”

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service recognized Prince George's County with the Tree City USA® award. Prince George’s County is the only County in the state to receive this award for 40 consecutive years. 

The Tree City USA program has been greening cities and towns across America since 1976. It’s a nationwide movement providing the framework for communities to manage and increase their public trees.

The committee partners with DoE, DPW&T, Maryland DNR Forest Service, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Master Gardeners/University of Maryland Extension, the Neighborhood Design Center, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, and the Prince George’s Forestry Board in hosting the Arbor Day celebration. 

If you're interested in securing trees for your community, contact Carole Barth, DoE Tree Conservation Program Manager, at cabarth@co.pg.md.us. To learn more about how you can join the fight to keep our County clean and beautiful, the Beautification Initiative, and other litter reduction efforts, visit www.pgcproud.com.

 

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