The largest tree planting event in Tennessee’s history will take place Saturday, Feb. 25, and everyone in the state is invited to take part.
The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are distributing 100,000 native Tennessee trees across the state. Homeowners, businesses and groups of any kind can receive free trees for their property or community when they agree to plant them on Feb. 25.
All of the trees are being offered at no cost to Tennessee residents and organizations who register at www.tectn.org/100ktreeday now through Sunday, Feb. 2 (while supplies last).
Donations and sponsorships are encouraged to help cover the costs of making the trees available for free.
“Planting trees is a meaningful, fun and effective way to improve our communities,” says John McFadden, TEC CEO. “Trees provide many benefits to our communities, economy and environment, including increasing home values, cutting cooling costs and even increasing expenditures at retail locations.
“Trees also soak up the storm water, a leading cause of water pollution in Tennessee,” says McFadden.
This effort is made possible with assistance from several state agencies. The Division of Forestry nursery is growing the trees and delivering them to the eight TDEC field offices. Many Tennessee State Parks will serve as public distribution points.
Finally, all three agencies are supporting the project financially, making it possible for all Tennesseans to receive trees at no cost to plant at their homes, businesses and farms.
“Planting trees is a simple way to prevent pollution before it occurs and help protect Tennessee’s water quality,” says Robert J. Martineau, Jr., TDEC Commissioner. “Just 100 trees can capture nearly 140,000 gallons of rainwater annually, limit storm water runoff and add critical water resources to our reservoirs.”
Event organizers are looking for individuals and groups to get involved. For more information or to sign up, visit tectn.org/100ktreeday.
Source: Tennessee Environmental Council