Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. On January 4, 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. On April 10, 1872 it was estimated that more than a million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
In observance of Arbor Day 2010, Cub Scout Pack 183 from Louisa: Connor Schweikart, Matthew Charles, Josh Cutright, JaWan Mallory, Andrew Baysura, Cole Cutright and Jason Brooks; Sisters: Taylor Schweikart, Anna Baysura and parents: Tina Schweikart, Robert Charles, Connie Cutright, James Mallory, Maureen Baysura and Mike Brooks partnered with Lake Anna State Park staff: Rich Greenlee, George Dye and Cathy Corker in planting donated maple trees as part of the Odwalla Plant a Tree program. The Plant a Tree goal is to plant 100,000 new trees in state parks across America. Once accomplished, nearly 240 million pounds of carbon will be removed from the environment. That's about how much carbon dioxide five million cars create over 50 years!
Basic tree planting instructions, and tool safety was shared with the scouts as they planted three 6 foot maple trees near the park’s beach concession and picnic area. Through this experience the scouts learned what trees need to grow and the importance of planting trees. Tina Schweikart, Tiger Den Leader stated “What an honor it was to be part of this wonderful statewide program. The boys felt great to be able to help out with the planting of the 3 beautiful trees that will be part of Lake Anna State Park for many years to come. It was a wonderful opportunity for our boys to give to the community and have fun at the same time. The rangers took time to explain the needs of the trees to survive and gave them a lot of "hands-on" training.”
Odwalla’s donation of $23,577 to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation was instrumental in purchasing trees in Virginia’s State Parks. DCR thanks Odwalla for its generosity and commitment to improving the commonwealth and its environment.
As these Scouts grow in age, so will these trees. It is our hopes many visitors will enjoy the benefits of these newly planted trees. On your next visit to Lake Anna State Park, see if you can locate the newly planted maples: 3 at the beach concession / picnic area and 2 in the campground.
