PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) – in partnership with the RI Tree Council, the Towns of Bristol and Warren, and National Grid – will hold two special celebrations on Friday, April 27, to mark the 131st anniversary of Arbor Day.
"In addition to helping preserve and enrich our environment, trees play an important part in supporting quality of life and beautifying our communities," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Our trees cool our streets and homes, reduce our carbon footprint and promote resiliency, improve our air quality, capture our stormwater and aid in recharging aquafers. I'm proud of Rhode Island's long tradition of celebrating Arbor Day and protecting this treasured resource. Kudos to the Rhode Island Tree Council, National Grid, and all partners involved in this work."
"National Grid has been a sponsor of this Arbor Day celebration for the past 12 years," said Timothy Horan, president and COO – RI, National Grid. "We are proud of our efforts to preserve, with our many community partners, a vibrant and healthy community forest in the Ocean State."
The Bristol event, hosted by the Bristol Conservation Commission, will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Mount Hope High School (199 Chestnut Street) and will include a speaking program and planting of trees on the school grounds. Nine America the Beautiful: Tree Rhode Island grants will be awarded for urban forestry projects throughout the state. The grants, totaling $20,000 and matched by $30,000 in local funds, will be used for planting, master planning, and outreach. During the past 25 years, DEM's Division of Forest Environment has awarded more than $2 million in America the Beautiful grants, matched by over $3.4 million in local funds.
The Warren event, hosted by the Warren Tree Commission, will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Jamiel's Park on Market Street and will include a speaking program and planting of trees within the Park. Twelve Tree City USA awards and one Tree Campus USA award will also be presented to RI participants in the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City and Tree Campus USA programs.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.