As part of BGE's commitment to environmental stewardship and educational outreach, more than 100 BGE employee volunteers and their children planted over 75 trees and shrubs in the Gwynns Falls Park. The trees and shrubs were planted for shade, as stream buffers and as ornamentals underneath distribution lines.

The children rolled up their sleeves and got dirty while learning how and where to plant trees. They also learned other valuable lessons about volunteering and taking care of the environment.

Joshua B., 12, son of BGE Distribution Construction Trainee Marcus B., was proud to volunteer that day to "make the park a better place."

Joshua's sister, Zahria, said she was "very impressed" with the event and the hard work of the BGE employees.

"Some people don't care about the environment," said Zahria. "BGE workers care – that's why they plant trees and do things like this."

Some of the children even had the foresight to look at the impact the event will have in the years to come.

"Planting trees like this now will make a big difference in the future," observed 11-year-old Timothy M., son of Ann M., principal communications consultant for BGE.

"Plus, trees help the environment and improve the air we breathe," added his sister, Meta Kate, who is in seventh grade.

Megan K., daughter of BGE Environmental Scientist Theresa K., helped plant and mulch the trees and shrubs.

"I like all trees, but I especially like to watch maple trees grow and grow and grow," she said.

The children volunteered that afternoon as part of the national Take Your Children to Work Day event.

The project was part of a BGE effort to reclaim a right of way through two city parks which had been mistakenly planted with trees by city workers. To protect system reliability, BGE had to remove those trees, but offered to replace them with others throughout the park. As part of the event, volunteers also cleaned up the area and mulched. "This is a great partnership between BGE and the City!" remarked Rebecca F., an arborist for the City's Department of Recreation and Parks. "Trees are a valuable, long-term investment, and we're grateful to BGE and everyone here today."

BGE regularly engages in community activities that promote environmental stewardship and educational outreach while also preserving the integrity of its electric system. The company is committed to protecting the environment while improving the quality of life for both customers and employees. The event at Gwynns Falls Park was one of several tree planting, park clean-up and beautification events throughout Maryland to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Other events included the planting of compatible trees along the WB&A Trail in Baltimore County, planting more trees in Harford County's Flying Point Park, a continuing partnership for the past five years, and planting trees with students on the grounds of Dundalk High School.

BGE's continuous efforts support the balance of safe and reliable service with the aesthetic and environmental concerns of BGE's customers.