Happy Arbor Day!
Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, although the Springfield Board of Commissioners declared this Saturday, April 30th Springfield’s Arbor Day. Some may ask, what is the difference between Earth Day and Arbor Day? While both holidays are dedicated to nature, Arbor Day’s purpose is to encourage people to plant more trees or practice tree maintenance. Trees are important to our local ecosystem for a number of reasons, including improving air quality, stormwater management, shading and cooling, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.
Arbor Day Festivities
The Springfield Township Shade Tree Commission will be hosting an Arbor Day Celebration beginning promptly at 10am on Saturday, April 30th, and members of the public are invited to attend. Festivities will kick off with remarks from Commissioner Mike Maxwell, followed by a ceremonial tree planting in honor of former Commissioner Glenn Schaum. The planting of the tree will be done by our Shade Tree Commission, which will demonstrate how to properly plant a tree. After the demonstration, the Shade Tree Commission will give out 20 trees to the pre-selected winners of the Tree Giveaway raffle*.
The ceremonial tree will be planted along the entrance of the parking lot to the Administration Building (1510 Paper Mill Rd). A Winter King Hawthorne has been selected as the ceremonial tree (as it will live along Hawthorne Lane in the Township). "White flowers in early June start the color show. Reddish-purple leaves turn dark green, then orange, scarlet or purple. Small, glossy red fruits stay on tree into winter, and are preferred by songbirds. Grows to 25' to 30', 25' spread." (Arbor Day Foundation)
*Winners have already contacted and confirmed. No additional trees will be available to the public who wish to attend this event.
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