News Detail

Commissioners Recognize Earth Day, Environmental Education In Franklin County

Commissioners

April 23, 2025

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Buttonwood Nature Center Executive Director Tracy Holliday, Board President Debbie Pflager, Assistant Director Jessica Watson, Franklin County Senior Planner Colleen Tidd and Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 26, 2025, to be Earth Day in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners demonstrate their support for balancing growth with responsible environmental stewardship as well as their commitment to working with local organizations to promote environmental education across Franklin County.

“As we continue to welcome new residents and businesses to our area, it’s important that we as leaders manage growth in a responsible way in order to protect our natural resources and open spaces for future generations,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Earth Day is a great reminder for all of us to appreciate and safeguard the local natural treasures like our parks, forests and streams that we often take for granted.”

Franklin County’s 10-year comprehensive plan, Imagine Franklin 2035, serves as a blueprint for responsible, harmonious growth and development and incorporates the county’s objectives related to the environment. 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 emphasizes the importance of protecting the county’s farmland as well as safeguarding its forests, streams and other valuable natural recreational areas, both for the enjoyment of today’s residents and for those who will one day call Franklin County home.

By recognizing Earth Day, the commissioners also reaffirm their support for educational programming and events to help local children and other residents understand and appreciate the world around them and the value of caring for the environment.

Earth Day in Franklin County coincides with the Buttonwood Nature Center’s annual Earth Celebration Day at the Pine Hill Recreation Area, 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, a visit by Smokey Bear and more.

For more information, visit buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.