Free trees available to groups looking to help wildlife

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By Aislinn Maestas

Special to The SUN

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.

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, review the full guidelines to check eligibility. 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.

Sponsor a tree planting

National Wildlife Federation is also seeking donations of trees to NWF’s Tree Bank. NWF’s Tree Bank was created through the generous support of its members and supports to provide trees, planting supplies and educational resources to schools, community groups and partners who plant the trees in their community. You can contribute to the fund by sponsoring trees, adoptions or donating.

Learn more about the Trees for Wildlife program and how to apply to potentially receive trees for a community service project at www.nwf.org/trees.