The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry will recognize the importance of trees in urban settings and the dedication of Maine communities to caring for those trees during its 2013 Maine Arbor Week Celebration.
Held on Monday, May 20th at the Hilton Garden Inn overlooking the Androscoggin River in Auburn, the celebration, sponsored by the Maine Forest Service (MFS), its urban forestry program, Project Canopy, and GrowSmart Maine, will honor the civic devotion of several notable Maine residents.
During the event, participants will recall the memory of the late Frank Knight, former Yarmouth tree warden and guardian of the fabled elm, “Herbie,” for whom Project Canopy’s “Excellence in Community Forestry” Award was named.
This year’s recipient of the award, The Town of Falmouth, will be honored with a unique plaque made from wood from “Herbie.” Bob Shafto, Open Space Ombudsman for the community, and architect of the plan that began Falmouth’s journey to acquire and manage community woodlands with a strong stewardship ethic will be in attendance to accept the award.
Conifer seedlings donated by Irving Woodlands LLC, CedarWorks of Rockland, and Central Maine Power Co. will be available for participants.
Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Commissioner Walter Whitcomb will speak at the event. “Arbor Week is our moment to celebrate our bond with our trees. We plant trees by the thousands this week and remind ourselves of how the lives of Maine forests and people all intertwine. Maine forests, from veneer to paper to timber to energy and fuel oil and maple sugar are inseparable from the Maine way of life.”
In addition, the following municipalities will be recognized for their participation in the Tree City USA program, supporting urban and community forests:
Auburn – 10 years & Growth Award
Kennebunkport – 36 years
Augusta – 19 years
Lewiston – 10 years and Growth Award
Bangor – 9 years
Orono – 17 years
Bath – 16 years & Growth Award
Portland – 33 years
Camden – 18 years
Saco – 3 years
Castine – 4 years
South Portland – 33 years
Dover-Foxcroft – 1 year
Waterville – 15 years
Farmington – 36 years
Westbrook – 36 years
Hallowell – 11 years
Yarmouth – 34 years
Hampden – 6 years
For more information about Project Canopy, go to: www.projectcanopy.me
For more information about the Maine Forest Service, go to: www.maineforestservice.gov