Photo: Matthew Beziat, Flickr
Urban foresters and city parks staff will collaborate with Girl Scout Troop 5327 to give away 500 free loblolly pine saplings from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 9 at Holcomb Elementary School, 2900 N. Salem Road.
The event will take place rain or shine at the Holcomb Gazebo near the Gary Hampton Softball Complex. Free trees will be limited to two per person. Staff will show proper planting techniques and provide information about trees and urban forests.
Officials said members of the troop wanted to work with neighbors around the school and chose to host a tree giveaway because the newer neighborhoods surrounding Holcomb have a less dense tree canopy than older parts of Fayetteville. The hope is that some residents will plant trees in the area surrounding the school, but anyone is welcome to receive trees and plant them wherever they choose.
From the city:
Trees add environmental, economic, and behavioral benefits to a community, by providing shade for trails, sidewalks, yards, and homes; creating wildlife habitat, and beautifying areas. Trees remove huge quantities of pollutants from the air, aid in erosion control, and decrease stormwater runoff. Using trees as wind blocks or as shade producers can decrease utility bills. It has been proven that person will stay calmer and remain outdoors longer if given a green, shady area to relax and recreate. Trees planted where they can be observed from residential dwellings, hospital rooms, or school classrooms can reduce crime rates, accelerate patient recovery, and increase student productivity. Visit this webpage to learn more about the City’s Urban Forestry program.
