Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at the ARC

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Parks and Recreation and the TreeKeepers volunteer group will collaborate on the annual Arbor Day tree giveaway this Saturday, April 11.

The giveaway will begin at 8 a.m. at the ARC (1701 W. Ash) with 1,000 trees available.  The public is welcome to take home two seedlings apiece. A variety of shade and flowering trees will be available, including black walnut, shortleaf pine, pecan, redbud and serviceberry.

The public is encouraged to arrive early, as the tree supply generally does not last long.

A second Arbor Day observance will be held on April 24 at Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary School. Parks and Recreation, along with Columbia Water and Light and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will assist students with tree planting and provide tree education from 9 to 11 a.m. that day.

Columbia holds Arbor Day events each year as part of their designation as a Tree City USA, a recognition bestowed by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor the city's commitment to a forestry program. Columbia has met all four standards to be a Tree City USA: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

For more information about the tree giveaway, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460.