Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration at Burrell Brooks Park

This Saturday, April 28th, the Town of Front Royal along with the Front Royal Warren County Tree Stewards and the Urban Forestry Advisory Commission will be hosting an Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration at Burrell Brooks Park on Criser Rd.  Mayor Hollis Tharpe will read a proclamation and the Virginia Department of Forestry will award a banner to the Town marking the 18th year that Front Royal has qualified with the Tree City USA program.  This year the Town will also receive a special Growth Award.  Town Horticulturist Anne Rose has selected a Katsura tree to be planted at the park as this year’s Arbor Day tree.  This event begins at 8:30 am.

Following the Arbor Day tree planting, Mayor Tharpe and town officials welcome the public to join in a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Criser Road at the new sidewalk across from Samuels Library and Ressie Jeffries Elementary School.  The completed sidewalk along the south side of Criser Rd marks the completion of the Royal Shenandoah Greenway.  The Greenway is a system of paths and trails to support active and healthy living and appreciation of nature for local residents and visitors of all ages.  The roughly 5 mile loop connects Front Royal’s educational, recreational, historical and commercial areas.

At 9:15 (runners) and 9:30 (walkers) the days events continue with the “Green” Way Run/Walk, a free event for the whole family.  Run or walk all or part of the loop in this informal, self-reporting activity.  There will be check points and water stations along the route.  Come out and join us! Our community has much to celebrate this April. For more information, visit www.treesfrontroyal.org.