This event has been postponed due to restrictions related to social distancing as a result of the coronavirus. An update will be posted later in the year once it is rescheduled!
Join EPCAMR on Saturday, April 4, 2020 to help plant apple tree saplings in Centralia, Pennsylvania!
Volunteers are needed to assist with planting 300 apple tree saplings in water-conserving, biodegradable Groasis Growboxxes. Building upon previous work to cleanup trash in the area, the goal of this new 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.
The event is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A free lunch will be provided, along with live music from the band, Spud. Additionally, the first 100 volunteers will receive free T-shirts (sizes not guaranteed).
Stephanie Burke 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. Existing and former residents of Centralia are expected to attend too.
In light of the coronavirus, extra precautions will be taken. Portable bathroom facilities and hand washing stations will be available. Volunteers will be divided into small groups of no more than five to encourage social distancing. These groups will be spaced about 20 feet apart while planting trees.
To Join The Apple Tree Planting Day On Saturday, April 4, 2020:
- RSVP using the Official Event Page by scrolling down the page and filling out the signup form titled “Appalachian Tree Planting Project”. The Facebook Page for the event can be viewed here.
- Arrive at 10AM at the Centralia Municipal Building 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
A recovering landscape in Centralia, PA. Credit: Flickr/Jukie Bot
While some people think of Centralia, PA as a forgotten, abandoned place, others see it as an example of hope and rebirth. Although the town will never be as it once was, it is still home to a several people and an ongoing experiment in what can be done right when people come together.
For six 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. Recently, cameras were installed to prevent future dumping too.
Now, EPCAMR is leading the apple tree planting day with funding from ISI and Mental Insight Foundation to beautify Centralia, 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 2020.
Many thanks to EPCAMR for organizing this event and providing the information found in this article.
