Richmond Hill City Center to Plant Commemorative “Earth Day Trees”

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Kermit Griffin, Executive Chef and Director of Richmond Hill City Center, announced that Ms Wendy Bolton of the Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation will officiate at the ceremonial planting of tress to celebrate the 41st Earth Day on Friday 22 April 2011 starting at 10:00 AM at Richmond Hill City Center located at JF Gregory Park at 520 Cedar Street in Richmond Hill, GA.

Earth Day was established in 1970 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the natural environment of the Earth.  Forty one years later, Earth Day Network has organized “A Billion Acts of Green®” to encourage personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainability around the world.  In support of this, the largest environmental service campaign in the world, Richmond Hill City Center announced that they will plant one live oak and five dogwood trees in honor of Earth Day.  According to Earth Day Network, “A Billion Acts of Green®” demonstrates the kind of environmental impact that can be made when millions of people, corporations and organizations make commitments, both small and large, to better their environment.”

Consistent with its dedication to sustainability and commitment to the environment, Richmond Hill City Center is LEED certified by the United States Green Building Council and adheres to the stringent standards for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.   The facility uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and provides a healthier environment for guests.  The City of Richmond Hill set out to establish the standard for the community by building a high-performance green conference center that still captured the timeless beauty of Southern architecture.

Ms. Bolton will plant the live oak while members of Richmond Hill Junior Girl Scout Troop 30270 will plant five commemorative dogwood trees.  The live oak tree, also known as the Southern Live Oak, has long been recognized as a southern symbol of strength, and the State Tree of Georgia.  American legend says The USS Constitution reportedly received its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812 because its live oak hull was so tough that British war ships cannon balls literally bounced off it.   Today, Live Oak trees are planted in historical cities for their character and appearance.

Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation
The mission of the Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation is to plant, promote and protect trees, especially live oaks.  The Foundation values tree canopy as an essential element in the quality and unique character of life along the Coastal Empire.  According to Ms. Bolton, “we recognize trees as economic, esthetic and ecological assets for today and as a legacy for future generations.”

The Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation began in 2001 as a volunteer outreach of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce. Today, the Foundation is an IRS 501(c) (3) non-profit environmental education organization with a focus on restoring canopy shade trees to the community, supported by contributions from individuals, other non-profits, members of the business community, and by grants from foundations and government sources.  Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation volunteers have planted and cared for nearly 500 live oak trees in Richmond Hill since 2001.

Red Bird Creek Dining Room
Following the Earth Day Ceremonies, Chef Griffin will host a luncheon that is open to the public in the Red Bird Creek Dining Room starting at 11:00 AM.   The luncheon will feature fresh, local, and organic produce on the extensive salad bar, a hot and cold carving station and a wide assortment of desserts on the Sweet Table. Per person cost is $10.00 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation.  Participating Girl Scouts are invited to eat at no cost.

For additional information, contact Richmond Hill City Center at 912-445-0043.

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RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER is ideally settled only 12 miles south of Savannah on historic wetlands amid 335 acres of community parkland. Built and owned by the city of Richmond Hill, GA, the facility offers a stunning setting to enhance your meeting, wedding or community event. Handsomely decorated, the 22,800 square-foot pride of Richmond Hill is the first LEED-certified facility in Bryan County and is designed to support the local and regional community. From large conferences to smaller intimate gatherings or private events, the on-site catering and award-winning chef’s savory cuisine make for a satisfying and memorable experience. Visit: http://www.richmondhillcitycenter.com/