LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — This year, 13,400 trees were given away throughout the state in the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's fourth annual Free Tree Fridays campaign.
The Forestry Division partnered with the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council (AUFC) to host 27 events across the state each Friday from March 22 through April 26.
AUFC donated six species of hardwood seedlings native to Arkansas, including red mulberry, bald cypress, sycamore, Shumard oak, cherrybark oak, and river birch.
“This program is an excellent way to provide access to trees for people who may never have planted a tree, and to residents in areas like Little Rock and Wynne who lost trees in the March 2023 tornadoes,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban, and Community Forestry Coordinator. “Arbor Day celebrates trees, and through Free Tree Fridays, we are able to promote proper planting techniques for bare root and potted trees, as well as the importance of planting native species.”
Planting a tree in a community gives residents hope that it will grow to provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and natural beauty.
Free Tree Fridays was first introduced in 2021 when Grant County Ranger Troy Wood requested an Arbor Day celebration giveaway in his county.
To learn more about urban and community forestry or when similar events will take place, click here.