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NEWS RELEASE

March 22, 2010

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Howard County Kicks Off “2010 Trees in 2010” Environmental Campaign

Cost of initiative covered by interest earned from Forest Conservation Fund

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman today announced the launch of a new spring tree giveaway program for County residents. The goal of the “2010 Trees in 2010” initiative, which is part of the County’s “Plant (it) Green” program, is to plant 2,010 trees this year and increase the tree canopy in Howard County, help moderate the climate, improve air quality, conserve water, harbor wildlife and provide aesthetic value.

“All of the environmental work we have been doing in the County has shown us that the easiest and most effective way to improve air and water quality is to plant trees,” said County Executive Ulman. “This program is a way to give Howard County residents an opportunity to partner with us and help make our community a little greener.”

Through the program, each County residence will be entitled to choose up to two free trees native to our area from the following selection: Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis); Northern Red Oak (Quercus Rubra/Borealis); River Birch (Betula Nigra); Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis); and, Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipfera). These trees are not saplings; they will be provided in two to five gallon containers and could reach up to five feet tall. Tree selections are subject to availability.

Order forms are available on line at www.livegreenhoward.com and must be completed and submitted by Thursday, April 22. Trees will be available for pickup on the morning of Saturday, May 1 from 8 am to 12 pm and is the responsibility of the resident. There are five pickup sites located throughout the county; residents will select their pickup location when they fill out their order form. The locations will be:

• East Columbia Library Park, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Centennial Park South, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City
• Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Rt. 97, Cooksville
• Rockburn Branch Park, 6145 Montgomery Road, Elkridge
• Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street, Savage

Residents are encouraged to check with their Homeowners’ Association or other neighborhood associations to determine if they have any planting restrictions. Also, the County is unable to guarantee the survivability of the free tree(s).

“2010 Trees in 2010 Program is a great idea to improve our environment. I am especially pleased that we are kicking this program off in Savage,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Terrasa.

The “2010 Trees in 2010” program is an initiative of the Department of Recreation and Parks’ Natural Resources Division and the Office of Environmental Sustainability. The program is funded through interest earned from the Forest Conservation Fund. The fund was established in conjunction with the County’s Forest Conservation laws which require developers to pay into the fund if they do not meet forestry requirements when developing properties in Howard County.

Plant (it) Green is the comprehensive forest and tree program that focuses on maximizing tree growth in Howard County. In addition to “2010 Trees in 2010,” it includes two other residential tree planting programs: Stream ReLeaf and Private Forest Conservation.

The Office of Environmental Sustainability’s mission is to protect and enhance natural resources and the quality of life in our community through the conservation, preservation, and restoration of our land, air, and water, guided by the principles of science, ingenuity, sustainability, and stewardship.

For more information about 2010 Trees in 2010 or to place an order for your free tree(s), visit www.livegreenhoward.com. If you do not have access to the internet and would like to have a form mailed to you, call 410-313-1636.