Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Invites You to Celebrate Earth Day by Planting Trees This Year
Kerry Francis, Columbus
Recreation and Parks Department, 740-504-5892 (cell)
Stephanie Garling, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-204-2695
(cell)
COLUMBUS, OH – While we celebrate
nature year-round at Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, we’re always
excited for Earth Day (Thursday, April 22) and Arbor Day (Friday, April 30)
every year! April is a great time of year to celebrate our connection to nature
and how it improves our physical and mental well-being.
“Our mission at Columbus
Recreation and Parks Department is to connect the people of our community
through the power of nature, wellness and creativity,” said Paul Rakosky,
interim director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “Nature is a big
priority for our department, and we want to encourage Columbus residents to
celebrate nature and give back to their communities on Earth Day by spending
time outdoors in one of our hundreds of parks, or planting trees or pollinator
gardens to benefit the environment.”
Join us by celebrating
Earth Day this year! Here are some things you can do:
Plant a tree: Planting trees in
our community is crucial for increasing the tree canopy in Columbus, as we have
seen through the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan! Trees
improve mental and physical health, reduce air and water pollution, alleviate
heat stress, reduce crime, make streets safer and more walkable, increase
wildlife habitat and lead to higher property values. Learn some
helpful tips about how to plant a tree in your yard! Columbus
has been a Tree City USA community for 42 years, and we invite all residents to
plant a tree in their yard to celebrate Arbor Day this year. If you already
have trees planted in your yard, it is important to prune those trees as well
so they continue to be healthy.
Explore what’s waking
up:
As the weather warms, animals are venturing out, and plants are poking out of
the ground. Check out what’s emerging in your backyard, neighborhood or park.
Download the free iNaturalist
app to identify your finds. Check back over the next few months to
see how the habitat changes.
Do some spring cleaning:
Clean
up any litter that has accumulated over the winter. Practice safety measures
such as wearing gloves. If you’re looking for an organized opportunity for your
family or group, check out our
volunteer program – volunteer opportunities are available throughout
the year and include park cleanup events and invasive species removal.
Enjoy nature and get
outside: Spending time outside is a great way to celebrate Earth Day,
especially after being cooped up all winter! The fresh air and sunshine,
combined with some physical activity, can boost your mood and help you stay
fit. Take a walk on a
trail or spend time in a
park.
Plan a wildlife-friendly
garden: As you plan your garden, consider planting a pollinator garden
using native plants that bloom in the spring and fall. Native plants add to our
local biodiversity and support our wildlife. Consider planting milkweed, as
they are the only plants that monarch caterpillars can eat. Limit pesticide use
in your yard or garden. Check with your
local nursery to learn more about native plants that will thrive in your yard.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Earth Day is Thursday,
April 22, and our department will host a tree planting event at Berliner Sports
Park from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Approximately 40 members of the Women’s Council of
Realtors, Columbus, will donate and plant 15 trees. Councilmember Emmanuel Remy
will be in attendance and talking with volunteers.
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