Savannah Celebrates Nature with Free Tree Giveaway
This past Saturday, the charming city of Savannah delighted residents with a special treat, not of candy, but of the leafy variety! The Savannah Tree Foundation hosted its annual ‘Trick or Tree’ event, where community members were gifted free trees to plant in their own backyards.
A Green Gift for Everyone
Every Halloween weekend, the Savannah Tree Foundation aims to promote and protect Chatham County’s urban forest by giving away trees. This year, a whopping 750 trees made their way into the hands of eager plant lovers, all ready to take a step towards greening their neighborhoods. With an impressive selection of 12 different species available, including beautiful red maples and sweet persimmon trees, it was hard not to feel excited about boosting Savannah’s greenery!
Planting Roots for a Greener Future
At the event, Matt White, the Operations Manager of the Savannah Tree Foundation, shared some insights into the process of getting these trees ready for their new homes. “The trees we’re giving away today were actually grown at our nursery through volunteer events and staff efforts and whatnot,” he explained. It’s heartwarming to think that these little trees were nurtured by the community and are now off to start their new lives in yards around Savannah.
Zoe Rinker, the Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized the importance of tree diversity in urban forest settings. “We love live oaks here in Savannah and that’s certainly true at the Tree Foundation, and they’re a huge part of our urban forest. But it’s also important getting these other types of trees,” she said. “Different sizes, different ages, different species. And that’s really what, like anything else, diversity is strength.”
Joining Forces for Arboriculture
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) was also happening right in Daffin Park on the same Saturday. Instead of keeping these events separate, the organizers for both the tree giveaway and the climbing championship decided to join forces, promoting the art of arboriculture in the Hostess City. This collaboration not only showcased the importance of trees in urban areas but also engaged residents in the beauty and craftsmanship of tree care.
Don’t Worry, There’s Always Next Year!
If you missed your chance to grab a free tree this year, fret not! The Savannah Tree Foundation has assured the community that they will be back next year with even more options. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to add a touch of nature to your space, you’ll have another opportunity to join in on this tree-loving fun.
Wrapping Up a Branching Success
Overall, the ‘Trick or Tree’ event was a huge success! With hundreds of trees given away and a vibrant community coming together to celebrate nature, Savannah is well on its way to a greener future. Planting these trees not only beautifies the city but also enhances air quality and boosts local wildlife habitats—what a wonderful gift for everyone involved!
So, whether you’re wandering the oak-lined streets or simply gazing out at your backyard, take a moment to appreciate the leafy companions gracing Savannah. Here’s to more trees, more friends, and a thriving urban forest!
