The public is invited to participate in North Carolina’s Arbor Day Celebration to be held at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, March 19, 2011, 9am to 2pm. Exhibitors from a wide variety of forest-related organizations will be on site in the Farmers Building to share information and materials about how trees heighten our quality of life.
In addition to exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for youth, the Triangle Chapter of the Society of American Foresters will be giving away 1000 redbud seedlings. Youth will also be able to “adopt” a plant to take home. At noon, the winner of the NC Arbor Day Poster Contest will be announced and presented with their award. NC State University faculty, staff, and students will provide information on educational and career opportunities in forestry and environmental resources. Even Smokey Bear plans to join the celebration!
Arbor Day is celebrated in state observances across the country to show just how much trees are appreciated. According to the NC Division of Forest Resources website, the NC state legislature ratified a bill in 1967 stating in part, “Whereas, it is desirable that the planting of seedlings and flowering shrubs be encouraged to promote the beautification and conservation of the vast and varied resources of North Carolina, and whereas the designation of a particular day each year as Arbor Day would encourage and draw attention to a concerted effort by North Carolinians to beautify and conserve the
Triangle Chapter of SAF will distribute 1000 redbud seedlings at the 2011 NC Arbor Day Celebration
state’s resources by planting young trees and shrubs.” As host to the NC Arbor Day Celebration, the NCSU Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources honors that spirit, encourages community involvement, and thanks these organizations for their participation in the festivities:
Triangle Chapter of SAF
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
NC Forestry Association
NC Division of Forest Resources
NC Division of Forest Resources – Urban & Community Forestry
City of Raleigh – Urban Forestry
NeighborWoods Program
NCSU College of Natural Resources – Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
NCSU College of Natural Resources – Department of Forest Biomaterials
NCSU Extension Forestry
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit go.ncsu.edu/arborday2011, or contact Lisa Schabenberger at 919-513-7368 or lisa_schabenberger@ncsu.edu.