April 14, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 154

Media Contact: Elaine Brenchley, Project Director, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194, Elaine.Brenchley@state.de.us, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

The First State Heritage Park Celebrates Earth Day with ‘If These Trees Could Talk’ on April 20 

DOVER, Del.  - Stepping onto the grounds of Christ Church is like stepping back in time. Ancient trees give the cemetery its character, and transport the visitor to times long past. Just as the tombstones tell the stories of those laid to rest, the trees at Christ Church have their own stories to tell.

If the trees could talk, what would they say?  That question will be explored at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 20 at Christ Church in Dover. An historical educator from the First State Heritage Park and a horticulturalist from the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will share the stories behind the trees.  They will explain tree identification and the natural history of the trees, and describe the stories, legends, and lore associated with the trees of Christ Church. 

The fee for this program is $3 per person. More information can be found by contacting the First State Heritage Park at 302-739-9194 or visiting www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. Christ Church is located at 501 S. State Street, near downtown Dover.

Established by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2004, The First State Heritage Park at Dover is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector to create Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777.