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Contact Information Date
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Deaton 804.328.3031  		Mar. 11, 2009
VDOF 09011

Family Fun – A Walk in the Forest

A free day of family fun is planned for April 4th at the New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge.  Hosted by the Rappahannock Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, the “Walk in the Forest” will offer guided nature hikes, wildlife and forestry exhibits, papermaking and other crafts, a guided bird-watching trip, and a tree-planting demonstration.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Virginians of all ages to get to know the great outdoors,” said Lisa Deaton, forest education specialist with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). “A team of experts will be on hand to lead nature walks, the bird watching tour and conduct proper tree-planting techniques.”

 The VDOF will give away 500 tree seedlings – 250 people will be able to choose two seedlings each from a mix of yellow poplar, white oak, red maple, black walnut and northern red oak.

For early risers, the day will begin with a guided bird watching trip at 7 a.m. At 10 a.m., the first of the guided nature hikes begins. Additional guided hikes will take place at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Exhibits, demonstrations and crafts run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tree seedling giveaway also begins at 11 a.m.

People are invited to bring a picnic lunch and their own drinks as none will be available on site. The New Kent Forestry Center is located at 11301 Pocahontas Trail (Route 60 East), near Providence Forge in New Kent County.

For more information, please call Lisa Deaton at 804.328.3031.

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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, the Agency has forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.

With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 144,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $27.5 Billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.

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