4/21/2011
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has declared April to be Arbor Month throughout the state of West Virginia.
“Trees and forests are important to all West Virginians,” Tomblin said. “We depend on trees for clean air and water, to provide food and shelter for the state’s wildlife and to enhance our beautiful West Virginia scenery.”
West Virginia is the third-most forested state in the nation; only Maine and New Hampshire are more forested. Forests cover more than 12 million acres throughout West Virginia, and also are an important part of the state’s urban areas. Fifteen towns are certified as Tree City USA communities and will hold Arbor Day celebrations this spring: Bluefield, Charles Town, Follansbee, Elkins, Harpers Ferry, Hinton, Huntington, Lewisburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Petersburg, Ronceverte, Summersville and Williamstown.
Scheduled Arbor Day celebrations include:
- April 22: Elkins, time TBA
- April 29: Parkersburg, 11 a.m.
- April 29 Petersburg, time TBA
- April 30: Harpers Ferry, time TBA
- May 2: Follansbee, 10 a.m.
- May 6: Charles Town, time TBA
Scheduling for Arbor Day celebrations in Moorefield, Huntington and Williamstown is underway. Morgantown holds a celebration each September.
“West Virginians are blessed with an abundance of trees, but we can and should plant more,” Tomblin said. “I encourage each West Virginian to play an active role in sustaining our beautiful forests for future generations by planting a tree.”
West Virginia’s official Arbor Day is the second Friday of April, April 8 this year. National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April, April 29 this year. Many states observe Arbor Day on different dates according to the best tree-planting times.
For more information about Arbor Day and Arbor Month, contact Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Bob Hannah at 304.825.6983 or visit the Division of Forestry’s website, www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Bob Hannah, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator
304.825.6983
Robert.L.Hannah@wv.gov