I could not think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than spending the afternoon with Virginia’s Earth Day.
The Governor accepted the invitation and brought a few friends with him including: Director of Virginia State Parks, Joe Elton.
Some of the students participating were from Leesylvania Elementary School. Angela Benson, the teacher representative from Leesylvania Elementary explained that teachers personally selected 2 students from every class to be the school’s representatives at the Earth Day Celebration.
Local home school students and their families who have been actively involved at the park were also invited to join the celebration.
The Governor greeted the students and emphasized that they can choose to make difference on Earth Day and every day. He thanked them for coming to the park to help plant trees and encouraged them to be lifelong stewards of the environment.
Then everyone took off to hike the beautiful Potomac waterfront trail on the way to do some tree planting.
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day in Northern virginia outdoors and too quickly we all made it to the planting area.
Through an online competition Virginia State Parks received $24,000 from Odwalla for the purchase of trees to be planted in the parks.
All of the children helped the Governor and his friends plant the trees. Governor McDonnell also took time to talk to the children and take photos with them.
After the tree planting everyone headed to the tent park staff had set up for ice cold water and Odwalla Bars!
We are very grateful to Governor McDonald and our special guests of all ages for visiting the park and helping us celebrate Earth Day!
And finally, we wouldn’t have had such a successful without the dedication and effort of the staff at Leesylvania State Park and help from staff at Mason Neck State Park and Shenandoah River State Park. Thank you everyone!
