Staunton Parks and Recreation to Host Arbor Day 2010 Celebration

"Trees are the Answer" according to City Horticulturist

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STAUNTON, VA (04/21/2010)(readMedia)-- Staunton Parks and Recreation Department will host the 2010 Arbor Day Celebration on April 30th beginning at 3:30pm at the Bandstand in Gypsy Hill Park. The Staunton Landscape Board, local garden clubs, and other community volunteers will teach children the proper techniques of tree planting. The Children from the HEART Afterschool Program and the Staunton Boys and Girls Club will expereince this hands-on lesson under the direction of Matt Sensabaugh, City of Staunton Horticulturist.

Around Staunton you may have seen the City Horticulturist, Matt Sensabaugh and his helper, Terry Bonner working out of a City park maintenance truck emboldened with bumpers stickers reading "Trees are the Answer". Matt gets razzed regularly, "What was the question?" At the Arbor Day Celebration Matt will talk about why "Trees are the Answer" and why Staunton is For Tree Lovers. A few of Staunton's tree loving milestones will be highlighted; Staunton's Dogwood Planting Project of 1935, as well as the 15 year anniversary of Staunton's designation as Tree City USA.

Matt and Terry will introduce Paul Revel from the Virginia Department of Forestry as well as Staunton City Council on the main stage at 4:15pm. Janet Lembke of the Staunton Landscape Board will have the honor of introducing Yulee Larner, whose father was the Staunton Mayor in 1935 and the brainchild of the Dogwood Project.

The "1000 Seedling Giveaway" will begin at 5:00pm. Many businesses and nursuries that have made this giveaway possible will be recognized by Matt Sensabaugh. Mary Baldwin College and the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department will provide light refreshments for eventgoers. Shenandoah Pizza, who will be gearing up for their stint as concessionaire at Family Night Flix, will be on hand selling some very fresh and healthy pizza. The public is encouraged to attend this free celebration, get dirty with the kids, learn about some unique Staunton history, enjoy cake and take a seedling home to plant. All of this because, "Trees are the Answer"!

Don't forget later that night, we will be showing "Dirt" the movie on our extreme screen at dusk. Dr. Joe Murray will be on hand to introduce the film and moderate any discussion. Shenandoah Pizza will be back that evening to sell scrumptious refreshments. To contact or connect with the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department log on to www.staunton.va.us/recreation.

The Staunton Parks and Recreation Department, the City's Front Porch: Recreate and Live Better.