News Release Distributed 12/16/11
The third annual Arbor Day at Burden Center has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate Arbor Day in Baton Rouge. Visitors will be invited to plant a tree in the Burden woods and participate in a 5-K Fun Hike through the Trees and Trails system.
The event also will support and promote educational programs conducted by the LSU AgCenter, the Burden Horticulture Society and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, according to organizers.
Individuals participating in the tree planting will be given certificates with GPS coordinates so that they can monitor the growth of the trees they plant. The 5-K Fun Hike will start at the Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie in Burden Center, which is located off Essen Lane at I-10 in Baton Rouge.
An entry fee of $5 for individuals or $10 for families will be used to support the Project Learning Tree program for school children conducted by the Burden Horticulture Society.
In addition to planting a tree in the Burden woods, each family will receive a cherry bark oak seedling for planting at home. The seedlings are being provided by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Other activities will include a tree scavenger hunt along the trail, a visit with Smokey Bear, tree planting and presentations on trees and the environment along with hot dogs, drinks and trail mix. Children also will be given the opportunity to learn more about trees and leaves with a leaf stamp activity.
Arbor Day at Burden Center is presented by the LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Burden Horticulture Society, which welcome participants of all ages.
For more information, contact Burden Center at 225-763-3990.
Rick Bogren