Contact: Mike Cusimano
Phone: (336) 373-2150

Third-Graders to Receive Dogwood Seedlings for Arbor Day

GREENSBORO, NC – (March 14, 2008) -- On Wednesday, March 19, more than 6,000 dogwood seedlings will be given to Guilford County third-graders to celebrate Arbor Day. The school that plants the largest percentage of Arbor Day seedlings will win a pizza party for all the third-graders in their school and a tree will be planted on their school grounds.

“This project is a great way to replace some of the trees we have lost over the years and instill environmental stewardship into the minds of young children,” explained Mike Cusimano, the Urban Forester for the City of Greensboro.

Funding is provided in part through a grant from Syngenta Crop Protection. Other program sponsors include Greensboro Beautiful, Davey Tree and Lawn Care Experts, the Guilford County NC Cooperative Extension Service, the City of Greensboro’s Urban Forestry Program, the City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department, and volunteers from American Express.

For more information, call Cusimano at 373-2150 or visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/Planning/forestry/.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.