134K Trees Planted Across Howard County Since 2019

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — One hundred trees were planted in Rockburn Branch Park - West April 25, which county officials proclaimed as Arbor Day.

Leaders celebrated Howard County's 35th consecutive year as a Tree City USA title holder, designated by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Locally and nationally, Howard County is a leader in increasing our energy independence, protecting our environment and reducing our carbon footprint through our fierce commitment to defending wildlife habitat, trees and meadows, maintaining our natural and manmade ecosystems, and enhancing recreational opportunities,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the event. “Together, we are taking steps to preserve the natural beauties of our community for generations to come.”

In addition to the tree planting, county rec and park staff, along with Corps members, spent the afternoon removing invasive vines from native trees at the park. Volunteer Tree Savers are taught how to identify and remove the invasive vine species that can smother and kill native trees.

Before April, Howard County had planted an estimated 86,000 trees since 2019. With more than 48,500 trees being planted in just the past few weeks, the county has increased its total tree plantings to more than 134,500, representing an increase of about 56 percent this year alone.

Howard County leaders have a goal of achieving 50 percent tree canopy by 2030.