In recognition of Arkansas Arbor Day, the state Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways of bare root seedlings at various locations across the state each Friday through April 26.
“Spring is an excellent time of year to plant trees,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Forestry Division. “Adding trees to your yard or to a community forest provides Arkansans with many benefits, including recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and beautiful landscapes.”
Species will vary by location and the giveaway will be limited to five seedlings per person on a first come, first served basis. The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council, a new partner in the annual Free Tree Fridays campaign, purchased and donated six species of hardwood seedlings native to Arkansas including red mulberry, bald cypress, sycamore, Shumard oak, cherrybark oak, and river birch.
Following is a listing of South Arkansas locations and times currently scheduled:
March 29
Malvern – Hot Spring County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Office, 2300 Leopard Lane Suite T: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mena – Atwoods, 1100 N U.S. 71 North: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
April 5
Ashdown – Horatio State Bank, 110 Main Street: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sheridan – Mad Butcher, 815 Rock Street: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
April 12
Dierks – Forestry Division Office, 106 Forestry Drive: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Warren – Warren City Park, 400 W. Church Street: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 19
April 19
Benton – River Center-Riverside Park, 1800 Citizens Drive: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
April 26
Arkadelphia – Clark County NRCS Office, 640 S. 6th Street Suite C: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Additional locations may be added throughout the month.