CHAMBERSBURG– The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 27, 2024 to be Earth Day in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners demonstrated their commitment to working with area groups and organizations to promote environmental awareness and education across Franklin County both now and in the future.
“As Franklin County continues to grow, it’s important that we incorporate specific objectives related to the environment into our plans to ensure all of our residents can continue to enjoy pleasant, healthy lives,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Franklin County’s comprehensive plan, Imagine Franklin 2035, outlines these types of guiding principles that will serve as a blueprint for responsible, harmonious growth and development over the next decade and beyond.”
Among the principles outlined in Imagine Franklin 2035 is a focus on sustaining open spaces as well as preserving the aesthetic and historic characteristics of Franklin County’s communities. The plan also emphasizes the importance of protecting the county’s farmland as well as safeguarding its forests, streams and other valuable natural recreational areas.
By recognizing Earth Day, the commissioners also issued their support for educational programming and events to help local children and Franklin County residents understand and appreciate the world around them and the value of caring for the environment.
Earth Day in Franklin County coincides with the annual Earth Celebration Day at the Buttonwood Nature Center, Waynesboro. The free event includes a yard sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as an earth celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of activities are planned, including a student art show, vendors and exhibitors, paper shredding, live music, a bake sale, silent auction and more. Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski will also present Franklin County’s Earth Day Proclamation as part of the celebration.
For more information, visit buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.
