Delaware County Celebrates Earth Day with Gardening Program, Tree Plantings, and Park Clean Up

Released: April 24, 2023

In celebration of Earth Day, Delaware County employees participated in a variety of activities as part of its commitment to sustainability, open space, and quality of life in Delaware County.

On Tuesday, April 18, Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden and Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther joined Delaware County residents and members of the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department and the Delaware County Office of Sustainability at the Redwood Community Center in Upland for a program called “Planting a Kitchen Garden with Penn State Master Gardeners.”

Volunteers from the Penn State Master Gardeners program provided potting tips and hands-on instructions to the 50 local seniors who participated. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) were also in attendance to provide materials and information to participants. Residents also enjoyed Earth Day-themed music from Steve Kurtz Entertainment while painting pots and learning about herbs and gardening.

After the potting program, participants enjoyed lunch, then gathered outside for a short Tree Planting & Dedication in memory of beloved Redwood DJ and long-time entertainer Sal April, who passed away one year ago.

On Saturday, April 22, Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Delaware County Planning Department hosted an Earth Day Clean Up and Tree Planting at the County’s Clayton Park—165 acres of scenic woodlands and rolling greens in Concord and Bethel Townships. This magnificent open space containing acres of beech/maple climax forest serves as a valuable resource for nature lovers, scout troops, picnic groups, little leagues, and many others.

Delaware County employees, family, and friends, including Councilwoman Christine Reuther (and her dog Larry!), Chief Sustainability Officer Francine Locke, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, Planning Department Director Gina Burritt, members of the Delaware County Park Police and volunteers from other County departments planted several flowering Dogwood trees, removed litter along the park’s roadside, and enjoyed some beautiful Earth Day weather.

Among the interesting items found by volunteers during the cleanup included a car fender, a bowling ball, a coat rack, car tires, golf balls, a messenger bag, and countless potato chip bags, plastic containers and glass bottles.

Delaware County Park Police were also on hand to help with traffic control and make the day safe for all.

Residents interested in checking out Clayton Park, or any of the many parks and trails maintained by the County of Delaware, can visit the Parks & Recreation Department’s website at https://delcopa.gov/departments/parks/index.html.