April is one of my favorite months to promote; it has so much going for it. When one thinks of April, flowers come to mind. I, on the other hand, see trees. In April we recognize Earth and Arbor Days. It's also Keep America Beautiful and National Humor Month. Weeks to celebrate are National Library (where would we be without them?) and National Volunteer. Days to enjoy are No Housework, Moment of Laughter, Husband Appreciation and Newspaper Columnist. Another great April day is Pay It Forward. See what I mean? April is one of the most joyous months.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, www.unep.org, forests are the green lungs of the world and play a key role in the health of the planet. Nothing could survive without plants - they're the foundation for most of Earth's ecosystems. Two mature trees supply enough oxygen for a family of four for a year.
If you've read any of my columns, you know that I just love, love, love nature. The only people I know who are more appreciative of the outdoors are Robin Tracey, Tuscarora environmental specialist, who will find any reason to lead hikes through beautiful Schuylkill County, and "Porcupine Pat," knower of everything.
I support local environmental agencies and parks whenever possible. I participated in Plant it Forward by filling my landscaping with Schuylkill Conservation District and Sweet Arrow Lake's seedlings, now grown from babies to juveniles and getting prettier every season. I hope you bought yours this year. Milton Hershey said, "There is not a person alive who should not plant a tree, not for the shade that you'll enjoy, but for those who are coming after." Wise man. The earth is so beautiful, let's do our share to keep it that way for future generations.
Have you heard of Plant It Forward? The idea is similar to Pay it Forward. Do something now to help secure a green future. In addition to providing oxygen, trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide food and shelter for animals while also supplying us with wood products from newspaper to furniture. Plan a project for the entire family to participate in: plant a tree at home or in the woods, clean an area, reduce your carbon footprint. The planet has been kind to us, it's time to return the favor.
You can find other ideas and projects to help connect your children and grandchildren with nature at www.arborday.org. How about baking tree-shaped cookies for your youth group's monthly meeting? Arrange for a tree sapling planting in your local park and invite area youth to participate. Visit a state park and take a tour of the forestry. You can find your carbon footprint and learn everything you want to know about our forests at www.americanforests.org.
If you have any tree or landscaping questions, the knowledgeable Penn State Master Gardeners can help. You can call them at 622-4225 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays.
One last quote by author Elizabeth Russell that says it all: "Bread and butter, devoid of charm in the drawing room, is ambrosia eating under a tree."
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Community-Volunteers-in-Action.
State parks clean-up
Times: April 20
Responsibility: Help spruce up state parks for new season by cleaning litter in Tuscarora state park in the morning and then move on to Locust Lake state park. Assist with both or one.
Skills: Ability to walk around the park using gloves and litter pickers. Bring water and bagged lunch.
Location: Tuscarora and/or Locust Lake state parks.
Contact: Robin at 467-2404.
Schuylkill Keep It Pretty/PennDOT Spring Cleanup
Times: April 27, 9 a.m. to noon
Responsibility: Help clean litter on a designated area in Schuylkill County. Gloves, bags and safety vests provided. Great project for families and groups. All ages welcome, but children must be supervised.
Skills: Register by April 11 at http://www.skiplitter.org/pdf/2013-Spring-Cleanup.pdf.
Location: Sites throughout the county.
Contact: Bob at SKIP, 628-3758.