Do you know that Johnson has been chosen as the location for the 2014 Arbor Day celebration on Friday, May 2nd. Our town was selected to highlight our leadership in promoting healthy forests. Sue Lovering and the Conservation Commission are currently spearheading a five-town initiative with Hyde Park, Fletcher, Morrisville, and Cambridge that focuses on planning for the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive forest pest which threatens all ash trees. All five towns are conducting ash tree inventories and developing outreach. Other partners include Vermont Electric Coop, Lamoille County Planning Commission, and VT Cartography.

Friday’s celebration plans include the planting of two trees with students from Johnson Elementary School, a presentation by Johnson State College students about a campus ash tree inventory they conducted, and special EAB-themed fare offered by DJs and Downtown Pizzeria and Pub. Tree and Forest Resource Specialists from the state will be on hand to participate in the activities. You may see them first at about 9:30 AM getting EAB muffins at DJs. They will probably stop at DJs at lunchtime for EAB sandwiches.

The celebration will continue on Saturday, in conjunction with Green Up Day, including public displays about ash trees and EAB and a “sASHay” down Main Street to highlight the town’s downtown streetscape and to offer some examples of having fun while learning about ash trees and the potential threat to their survival in Vermont at 1 PM.

Feb 11, 2025, 6 to 8 PM

Feb 13, 2025, 4 to 5 PM

Feb 13, 2025, 5:30 to 6:30 PM