– Contributed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
AUGUSTA, Maine – 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 2015 Maine Arbor Week Celebration.
Held on Monday, May 18th, from 1- 3 PM at the Community House in Kennebunkport, 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 learn about state and local efforts to raise awareness of the invasive pest the Emerald Ash Borer and the importance of ash trees to our economy and well-being. Additionally, attendees will be introduced to some of the contestants in the 2015 edition of the Maine Big Tree Register.
This year’s recipient of the award, Consulting Arborist, and Arborist to the Town of Kennebunkport Bob Palmer, will be honored with a unique plaque made from wood from “Herbie.” The New England Champion American elm cared for by the late tree warden of Yarmouth, Frank Knight, and for whom the award is named.
Participants receive seedlings donated by Cedarworks of Rockland, Irving Woodlands LLC, Acadian Timber LLC, and Central Maine Power Co.
In addition, the following municipalities will be recognized for their participation in the Tree City USA program, supporting urban and community forests:
Auburn – 12 years
Augusta – 21 years
Bangor – 10 years
Bath – 18 years
Camden – 20 years
Castine – 6 years
Dover-Foxcroft – 3 years
Farmington – 38 years
Hallowell – 13 years
Hampden – 9 years
Kennebunkport – 38 years
Westbrook – 38 years