Franklin County proclaims Earth Day; Buttonwood Nature Center to hold celebration April weekend

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation on April 23 proclaiming a day in April 2025 as Earth Day in Franklin County and heard remarks from Buttonwood Nature Center leaders about the center’s upcoming celebration and recycling event.

Colleen Tid of the county planning department introduced representatives of Buttonwood Nature Center, who described the organization’s mission and the annual Earth Celebration. "The mission of Buttonwood Nature Center is to guide the people of the Cumberland Valley region to become stewards of their natural and cultural worlds," the center’s director said. The center’s board president, Debbie Flager, and event organizer Jessica Watson also spoke.

Jessica Watson invited the public to the event at Pine Hill Park off Mentor Gap Road in Waynesboro. She said the day begins with a recycle-yard sale at 9 a.m., followed by the Earth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with music, vendors, food and a scheduled appearance by Smokey Bear.

The proclamation text read by the commissioners cited the Franklin County comprehensive plan and the county’s intent to support open space, farms, forests, streams and educational programs that foster environmental awareness. The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the proclamation; commissioners indicated "Aye" for approval.

Buttonwood representatives thanked the commissioners and posed for photographs after the vote.

No additional county action was requested beyond the proclamation; the Buttonwood Nature Center continues to partner with the county on environmental outreach and the recycling fundraiser.