Want to help Centralia, Pennsylvania? Join EPCAMR on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10AM to plant apple tree saplings in the town. Safety of participants is a top priority.
Volunteers are needed to plant 250 apple tree saplings in biodegradable, water-conserving Groasis Growboxxes. The holes for the trees are pre-dug, so volunteers can focus on planting rather than digging. There will be opportunities to name a tree too, such as dedicating it to a loved one or giving it a humorous name.
Building upon previous work to cleanup trash in the area, the goal of this event is to beautify Centralia and offset our carbon footprint. The plantings will work to restore the local ecosystem, improve wildlife habitat, and reclaim a mine-scarred landscape. Additionally, a Monarch butterfly waystation will be created by planting pollinator plants and milkweed.
The event is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and a free lunch will be provided. The first 100 volunteers will receive free T-shirts (sizes not guaranteed), masks, and other goodies as a thank you for helping out.
Joe Sapienza II of Centone Pictures, the production company that created the documentary Centralia: Pennsylvania’s Lost Town, will be there to capture the day and interview people. Other partners for this important event include: ISI, Mental Insight Foundation, Wafler Nursery, Brace’s Orchard, Heller Orchards, and Ark Rentals.
To Join The Apple Tree Planting Day On Saturday, April 17, 2021:
- RSVP using the Official Event Page by scrolling down the page and filling out the signup form titled “Appalachian Tree Planting Project”.
- Arrive at 10AM at the Centralia Fire Co. at 600 Locust Ave., Centralia, PA 17921 (View Map)
- Bring your own shovel if you have one. There is a limited supply of these available.
Every little bit counts towards cleaning up and restoring Centralia, which continues to be impacted by a long-burning, mine fire. If you are not able to attend the tree planting event, please consider donating money to show your support.
Other types of donations (such as mailed checks) can be directed to:
EPCAMR
c/o Bobby Hughes
101 S. Main St.
Ashley, PA 18706
Official event handout with details. Credit: EPCAMR
Often portrayed as a forgotten, abandoned place, Centralia, PA is a story of hope and rebirth. Although the town will never be as it once was, it is still home to a handful of residents and an ongoing experiment in what can be done right when people come together.
For seven years, EPCAMR has held an annual cleanup day to remove trash that has been illegally dumped in Centralia. The effort continues to show results, as the amount of garbage in the area has been significantly reduced with each passing year. Cameras have even been installed to prevent future dumping.
Presently, EPCAMR is leading the project with funding from ISI and Mental Insight Foundation to beautify Centralia, offset our carbon footprint, improve wildlife habitat, and promote ecosystem restoration in abandoned mine-scarred landscapes. The apple trees, once mature, are expected to bear fruit for years to come. EPCAMR has also partnered with the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, who are donating shelters for the trees and other native trees for a fall planting during the next cleanup day in October 2021.
Centralia will also become an official Monarch butterfly waystation, by planting milkweed and other pollinator plants. EPCAMR plans to work with local community programs to raise butterflies, culminating in the release of the butterflies in Centralia during the fall.
Many thanks to EPCAMR for organizing this event and providing the information found in this article.
Is that fruit safe to eat???