3/25/2010
FARMINGTON, W.Va. – The long, snowy winter is over and spring is coming to the Mountain State. Gov. Joe Manchin encourages all residents to take a few moments this season to enjoy the colorful spring blossoms and breathe the fresh, clean mountain air. And, if you are able, the governor encourages you to do something nice for West Virginia and the planet: Plant a tree.
“West Virginia is the third-most forested state in the nation and our abundance of trees improves our quality of life in countless ways,” Manchin said. “Trees provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife and scenic beauty for us and our visitors to enjoy. In addition, our healthy forests are great sources of important products and create employment for thousands of West Virginians.”
For those reasons and many more, the governor is proclaiming April “Arbor Month” in West Virginia. Division of Forestry personnel will work with communities, organizations and schools throughout the Mountain State to organize tree plantings and Arbor Day celebrations. Although the state’s official Arbor Day is set for April 9 this year, celebrations are scheduled throughout the month of April:
•4/20 - Hinton, Lewisburg and Ronceverte
•4/22 - Earth Day tree planting at Yeager Airport
•4/23 - Summersville
•4/24 - Harpers Ferry and Romney
•4/25 - Potomac Valley Project CommuniTree Girl Scout Arbor Day
•4/30 - Parkersburg
Other participating communities include Bath, Bluefield, Charles Town, Elkins, Follansbee, Moorefield, Petersburg, Summersville and Williamstown; Morgantown will hold its event in September.
National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April (April 30 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 Web site, www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Robert Hannah
304-825-6983
robbery.l.hannah@wv.gov