March 12th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Public Schools has partnered for the third year in a row with the Allegany County Department of Public Works, Maryland DNR Forest Service, as well as area environmental agency volunteers to plant trees on April 22, 2015, for Earth Day. This year’s Earth Day theme is “PLEDGE TO PLANT,” and the tree planting will take place at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  In 2014, several first-generation ash trees had to be cut down due to damage from the invasive insect, Emerald Ash Borer. By planting new trees at the site, students will help create a new legacy of shade trees for the Fairgrounds and learn how the County and State are working to control the reach of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer. This is a grass-root effort to “give back” to the earth.  It is an old Native American tradition that when you take something from the Earth, you must put something back.  Earth day 2015 will be a global “give back to Earth” event as an “offering” for all the planet gives us.  Every tree planted will assist in stabilizing the climate. The primary goal of tree plantings is to increase environmental literacy among the student population.  This year’s event will include an educational session from the state Emerald Ash Borer Forester, Tyler Wakefield, who will give students background on the issue and address what is being done across the state and country for mitigation.  Demonstrations and student plantings will also occur to help demonstrate the commitment of our community to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and it’s watersheds by making our students environmental stewards. Students will earn five service-learning hours for their participation in the Earth Day Tree Planting Event.  For more information about this topic, please contact Eric VanSlyke at 301-759-2045 or Dan DeWitt at 301-876-9560.