Tree Savers Program Launched To Help Preserve, Protect Trees

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A new program designed to preserve Howard County's tree canopy at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City has been launched.

The county’s Tree Savers Program trains volunteers to identify and remove invasive vine species that can smother, pull down and strangle native trees on Howard County parklands. At the program's kickoff, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and volunteers freed more than 100 trees from vines.

"The fight against climate change starts with us and trees are an essential ally in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To help save and preserve our already established trees, our Tree Savers Program aims to bring professionals and volunteers together to protect our trees and forests from the threat of invasive species," Ball said.

Starting Oct. 21, anyone interested in learning about Tree Savers and volunteering can sign up on the volunteer website. Once trained, volunteers will receive a Tree Savers shirt and authorization to use hand tools to cut invasive vines in Howard County parks and open space.