CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin once again has proclaimed April "Arbor Month" in West Virginia, and is encouraging communities, organizations and schools throughout the Mountain State to recognize the important roles trees play in daily life.
"Healthy forests improve our quality of life by providing clean air and water for all West Virginians," Manchin said. "Trees contribute to West Virginia's natural beauty, making it one of the most beautiful states in the nation. Our forests are an important source of jobs and forest products, and provide much-needed habitat for our state's wildlife."
Manchin encouraged all West Virginians to actively participate in tree-planting projects such as Mountaineer Treeways, a program that solicits volunteers to plant tree seedlings on public property.
West Virginia's Arbor Day is set for April 11 this year, but Arbor Day celebrations and tree plantings are scheduled throughout the month in communities across the state. Some of the participating communities include Bath, Charles Town, Follansbee, Hinton, Lewisburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Petersburg, Ronceverte, Shepherdstown, Summersville and Williamstown.
National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April (April 25 this year). Many states observe Arbor Day on different dates according to the best tree-planting times.
For more information about Arbor Day, Arbor Month and the Mountaineer Treeways program, contact Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Bob Hannah at (304) 367-2793 or visit the Division of Forestry's Web site, www.wvforestry.com.