(3/27) Environmental stewardship returns as a community festival on April 9 with the annual Thurmont Green Fest at the Thurmont Regional Library.
Sponsored by the library and the Thurmont Green Team, everyone is excited to get back into the swing of the festival, after not being held for two years due to COVID-19.
A variety of local exhibits and conservation efforts welcome the community starting at 10 AM. Additionally, crafts highlighting reusing materials for one of a kind art will be available.
The green festival is dedicated to promoting green living in the community and will offer nature crafts and games as well as educational opportunities including learning how to plant trees, garden, compost and more.
Electronic recycling services will be hosted by the Buddy Program to collect, refurbish and upgrade equipment for the underprivileged in the community. Frederick County Master gardeners will also be on site to talk about local pollinators and conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable Gateway to the Mountains.
Promoting the wide use of water as well as recycling and reusing, the festival will include raffles for environmental prizes including a rain barrel.
The Thurmont Green Team was established in 2015 as a started to be certified with the Maryland sustainable. Through the Green Team, volunteers’ plants trees and help maintain planters around town.
The Green Team also leads town cleanups and with the help of school groups and scouts maintains a pristine trail in the community park which is utilized by many residents.
One of the greatest accomplishments of the Thurmont Green Team was in getting Thurmont awarded Tree City USA recognition. "Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education."
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits, Lambe said.
In addition to being named a Tree City USA, Thurmont has also received numerous environmental stewardship recognitions including the PLANT Award (People Loving And Nurturing Trees).
More information about the Thurmont Green Team and its projects can be found on the town’s website or by calling the town’s office at 301-600-7200.
