NEW LIFE – Representatives of the City of Weirton were joined Tuesday by members of the MonPower/FirstEnergy Green Team in planting hundreds of tree and shrub saplings throughout the city. A distribution of trees also is planned for Friday evening at Marland Heights Park. This is the second year of the effort. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The community became a little greener on Tuesday in observance of Earth Day.

For the second, consecutive year, the City of Weirton and the MonPower/FirstEnergy Green Team partnered in an effort to beautify areas of the city through the planting of trees and flowering shrubs.

Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam explained the partnership began last year, with more than 200 tree and shrub saplings planted at three city recreation sites.

“We decided to do that again this year for Earth Day,” she said.

Representatives of the Green Team were joined by officials from the city, including staff from Weirton’s Public Works Department and Weirton Parks, at Marland Heights Park Tuesday morning, where more than 30 new plants were installed. Approximately 200 trees and shrubs were expected to be planted throughout the city.

Jessica Shaffer, an environmental scientist who serves as the leader of the Green Team, noted the importance of trees, not just for beautification, but for the environment, as they play a role in the production of oxygen and provide shade.

Flowering trees and shrubs, including many of the species brought to Weirton Monday, also assist pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Shaffer noted there has been a decrease of pollinators across the country, and having certain types of plants available encourages their sustainability.

Officials noted there were plans to plant trees and shrubs on at least two other city-owned properties Tuesday, with the hope they are able to grow and, eventually, be transplanted to other locations in the future.

There also are plans for a distribution of trees from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Marland Heights Park, with more than 100 saplings available, along with activities in honor of Earth Day.

“We’re planting some and giving some away,” Shaffer said.

Among the plant species included in this year’s event are redbuds, sugar maples, sweet bay magnolia, yellow birch, flowering dogwood, silky dogwood, and sweet spire.

For Friday’s distribution, city officials have indicated there will be flowering dogwood available, with a limit of one sapling per household and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The distribution is being held in partnership with Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network, Hancock County Family and Community Support Center, Northern Panhandle Parents as Teachers, with support from Shop ‘N Save and Busy Beaver.