Spend Saturday, April 23 in your natural surroundings
Some of the greatest hallmarks of Montgomery Village are the amount of greenspace, foliage and parklands that enhance the community. These surroundings aren’t just an accident, they were carefully planned when Clarence Kettler laid out his vision for “a new town.” Because of his eye for detail and the community’s commitment to retaining his vision, Montgomery Village remains one of the lushest places in Montgomery County. Between the parks, lakes and trees, it’s no wonder that many species of wildlife have made the Village home as well.
As a commitment to the natural aspects of the Kettler vision, Montgomery Village has maintained its Tree City USA designation for the past 28 consecutive years, as well as participates in county programs and provides educational opportunities about nature and history. This year for Arbor Day, as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, we’re doing just that. Join friends and neighbors to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 23 at the North Creek Nature Center, 20300 Aspenwood Lane. Enjoy free family fun, nature activities and service opportunities from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MVF will re-open the doors to the Nature Center for this fun-filled day! Originally, the building was used as a bus stop for commuting to Washington, D.C., before it was moved to the current location. Since then, it has been used for nature camps and programs along North Creek Lake.
Begin the day at 9 a.m. with MVF staff and members of the Committee on the Environment to “Rake the Lake” at North Creek Lake. This important community service project involves removing litter and debris from the park, lake and lakeshore, in an effort to maintain the environment for the wildlife that live there and the aesthetic for visitors and passersby.
At 10 a.m., join the MVF Board of Directors for an Arbor Day Tree Planting at the lake. The planting is part of Montgomery Village’s commitment to remaining a Tree City USA. MVF’s landscaping contractor, The Brickman Group will donate the tree.
Following the tree planting, enjoy workshops on tree planting, creating a Monarch Butterfly waystation and Monarch Butterfly tagging. Families can take part in a nature walk around North Creek Lake, plant seeds to create a waystation, make butterfly-inspired crafts and take home seeds and seedlings to plant.
Parking will be available at the Nature Center lot on Shadow Oak Drive, as well as at North Creek Community Center; visitors will be directed through the tunnel under Montgomery Village Avenue for safe crossing to the activities. Don’t miss this great opportunity to reconnect with nature in your own backyard.