On January 4, Asbury Woods Environmental Center in Erie County announced they will  have a yearlong theme once again for their  programs and outreach activities--  The Year of Trees.

Click Here for a video introduction of The Year Of Trees.

“Yearly themes help us to dive deeper into various environmental and conservation topics as we pursue our vision for Northwestern Pennsylvania to be a place where appreciation for and protection of natural places is a deeply held personal and community value.

“Trees form the backdrop for most of the Asbury Woods property and are core to the establishment of Asbury Woods by Dr. Otto Behrend, co-founder of Hammermill Paper Company in Erie. 

“Dr. Behrend’s family had a rich history in papermaking, and from an early age he developed a deep appreciation for the power of trees, for industry, but also for health, wellbeing, and recreation. 

“Throughout his life, Dr. Behrend was known as an avid outdoorsman, enjoying farming, walking in the woods with his dogs, golfing, planting fruit orchards and reforesting the 110-acre tract of land he purchased in 1920,  then known as Asbury Farm. 

“Dr. Behrend planted numerous trees over the years to reforest the former farmland but also to experiment with various papermaking processes. 

“Dr. Behrend was known as an innovator in the science of papermaking and his country estate provided the perfect place to indulge his scientific curiosity and love of trees.

“Upon his death, Dr. Behrend’s beloved country estate was left to become the community treasure that is Asbury Woods. 

“His original 110 acres has grown to 234 acres today but remains true to Dr. Behrend’s wish that it be a place for education and outdoor recreation. 

“We can’t think of a better way to honor Dr. Behrend’s gift to the community than by celebrating 2024 as The Year of Trees.

“The value of trees in a community is well-documented, providing shade and lowering energy costs, attracting wildlife, contributing to cleaner air, controlling erosion, reducing carbon in the atmosphere, beautifying urban, shopping, and residential areas, and so much more! 

“This year Asbury Woods will explore trees from all angles.  Identifying, appreciating, and caring for them, as well as sometimes knowing when to cut them down. 

“Throughout the year we will host tree related programs and projects for all ages including hikes, self-guided activities, lectures, and an Arbor Day celebration just to name a few.

“We are extremely grateful to J. Thomas Tree Service for serving as the Presenting Sponsor of The Year of Trees. 

“Their involvement and support will provide topic experts for various programs and help us offer several new programs at no cost throughout the year. 

“Owner, Jake Thomas, commented, “Asbury Woods is a special place in our community and I’m proud that our company has supported them for many years.  During 2024 it is our pleasure to expand that support and partnership to present The Year of Trees.”

“This year we hope you’ll take time to look at trees, appreciate them, learn more about them and share with us your favorite tree on our social media accounts with #yearoftrees. 

“You can get started by attending one of our many upcoming Year of Trees programs that are easily identified with a tree symbol in our newsletter.”

Visit the Asbury Woods’  The Year of Trees webpage for more information.  Click Here for a video introduction of The Year Of Trees.

[Posted: January 4, 2024]

1/8/2024