DCNR, Harrisburg Senators Teaming Up for Harrisburg Area Trees

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Harrisburg Senators are teaming up to show the value of planting trees in special Arbor Day activities planned Friday, April 24, at the team's Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg.

Held in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council, a series of Arbor Day evening activities will accent an ongoing "Doubles for Trees" program at the park. Since April 1, fans have been told whenever a Senators player hits a double during a home game, two trees will be planted within the greater Harrisburg area as part of DCNR TreeVitalize program.

"Nothing says spring like baseball and the planting of trees," said Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin. "DCNR is most appreciative of the Senators' support of Arbor Day and this great chance to showcase what TreeVitalize does to improve tree cover in cities and communities across the state.

"On this special night, DCNR and TreeVitalize personnel will have the opportunity to highlight urban and community forestry in Pennsylvania before what should be a large crowd. Many exciting and interactive activities will be available for fans before and after the game."

"The Senators are so proud to be a part of the TreeVitalize program through 'Doubles for Trees' each game," said Harrisburg Senators General Manager Randy Whitaker.  "This is truly an issue that everyone can appreciate and embrace."

During the Harrisburg Senators-Reading Fightin' Phils match-up, DCNR and its TreeVitalize program will be the presenting sponsor of a Metro Bank Park Friday Night Fireworks Show. DCNR and its TreeVitalize efforts will be featured as the "Community Organization of the Game," with a pre-game, on-field interview with the Senators game host that will appear on the stadium video system. The event also will include a ceremonial "First Pitch" by Devlin, who also serves as Pennsylvania's State Forester.

Game attendees can tour the newly redesigned Pa. Hardwoods Development Council's "PA Wood Mobile," which connects the "Doubles for Trees" effort with our state's forest resources and forest products industry. TreeVitalize displays along the field's main concourse will offer fans various outreach and educational materials.

TreeVitalize is a statewide urban and community forestry program designed to increase and improve tree canopy, educate citizens and increase community forestry capacity. DCNR offers matching grants to communities and non-profit groups seeking to improve and expand local tree cover. Earlier this month, DCNR announced its urban and community forest programs will be awarding $492,220 to communities throughout the state in support of tree planting this spring.

Metro Bank Park gates will open at 5 p.m. with first pitch set for 6:10 p.m. Metro Bank Park is located on Harrisburg's City Island, off Market Street.

More information on TreeVitalize and community involvement can be found at www.treevitalize.net and on Facebook: TreeVitalizePA.   

MEDIA CONTACT: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Related Links

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us

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