Free Trees Available to Groups Looking to Help Wildlife, Better Their Community

By Aislinn Maestas

National Wildlife Federation is currently taking applications for organizations and groups wishing to hold a native tree planting this fall as part of its Trees for Wildlife program.  Trees for Wildlife is an educational program of the National Wildlife Federation, providing adult leaders with fun, hands-on science-based activities to help young people learn about the importance of trees to communities and wildlife and how to plant and take care of trees for the future.

“Increasing urbanization has impacted the nation’s tree canopy by reducing the number of trees within urban and suburban America,” said Eliza Russell, director of education programs at National Wildlife Federation. “Tree planting events provide opportunities to educate and prepare the next generation of environmental stewards, expand the world inventory of trees and protect and improve natural resources.”

Free native species tree seedlings are currently available to partners, volunteers, schools, NWF affiliates and community groups. These trees have been donated for planting by NWF members and donors. All trees that are planted will be native to the region where they will be planted, but there may even be the consideration of offering hybrid chestnut trees.

Applicants can choose from three different types of events in their application, either a tree planting at a physical location, a community tree giveaway or a combination of both. Before applying, please review the full guidelines to check eligibility. Please note that each season NWF awards as many trees as possible, but due to high demand, not all applications will be successful. The deadline to apply for trees is Sept. 21, 2013. NWF Trees for Wildlife applications are available at www.nwf.org/trees/apply.