Contact: Mike Cusimano
Phone: 336-373-2150

Mayor Proclaims Friday March 20 as Arbor Day in Greensboro
Tree give-a-way at Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market

GREENSBORO, NC -- (February 18, 2009) – Mayor Yvonne Johnson has proclaimed March 20 as Arbor Day in Greensboro. Each spring, the City participates in Arbor Day, which was created in 1872 as a way to encourage tree planting and care, but Johnson’s declaration sets an official day for the whole city to observe it together.

To celebrate the occasion, on Thursday, March 19, 1,500 white Dogwood seedlings will be given to participating Guilford County third graders. In addition, on Saturday March 21, 1,000 white Oak and 1,500 white Dogwood seedlings will be given away in the field off Homeland Avenue behind the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville St.; across from War Memorial Stadium. These trees will be given away on a first come basis beginning at 9 am. Parking will be available in the Homeland Avenue field.

“This is a great way to replace some of the trees we have lost over they years,” said Mike Cusimano, urban forester for the City. “It also helps instill environmental stewardship into the minds of young children and the community.”

For the past 18 consecutive years, Greensboro has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Mayor Johnson “encourages all citizens to support efforts to care for our trees and woodlands; to support our City’s Community Forestry program; and to observe this day by planting trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of the present and future generations.”

This year's program sponsors include Greensboro Beautiful, Inc., Davey Tree and Lawn Care Experts, the NC Cooperative Extension Service in Guilford County, the City of Greensboro’s Urban Forestry Program, the City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department, Duke Energy and American Express volunteers.

For additional information contact Mike Cusimano at 373-2150 or visit the Planning Department’s Web site .

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