Each spring, the Winnebago County Conservation Board encourages people to plant trees and shrubs by offering free seedlings for Arbor Day. This year, because of a scheduling conflict, the annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will be an Earth Day Tree Giveaway.
This event will actually be held on Earth Day, which is Monday, April 22, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. In another change, the seedlings will be handed out this year at the new Hanson Nature Center, 41600 170th Avenue Highway 69 North, Leland, Iowa 50453. The telephone number for WCCB offices there is also new, 641-567-3390.
As in the past, this year’s varieties of trees and shrubs are attractive and beneficial to various wildlife. The species that will be given away this year are black cherry, red pine, wild plum, and white oak. These species are excellent for attracting songbirds, pollinators, and other wildlife, according to WCCB Naturalist Lisa Ralls. They will also provide the same benefits of all trees and shrubs, including cleaning the air, holding soil in place, reducing rainwater runoff, and providing shade.
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Strategically placed around homes and businesses, trees and shrubs can also help to reduce the use of air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. And, of course, they are aesthetically pleasing, adding beauty to yards and communities.
Only 25 seedlings of each species will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, quantities will be limited to one seedling per person. Later in the day, that limit may be waived if it appears that there may be trees remaining.
The WCCB will keep people posted on how many trees are still available throughout the day on its Facebook page and Twitter feed. Links to information about each species can be found on the Winnebago County Conservation Board’s web site (www.winnebagocountyiowa.gov/conservation) under “Upcoming Events.” Information will also be available at the park as will instructions about how to plant the seedlings.
For more information about the Earth Day Tree Giveaway, people may contact Winnebago County Naturalist Lisa Ralls at either 641-567-3390 or at lralls@winnebagoccb.com.