By TIM SPEARS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
In celebration of Earth Week, the Cool Creek Park & Nature Center is giving away native trees and shrubs for free through Arbor Day.
The Nature Center is offering six varieties of trees native to Indiana and two types of shrubs on a first come, first served basis.
“Planting native species, these are the trees and plants that insects and birds and everything else have really evolved and adapted to rely on,” said Amanda Smith, superintendent for Natural Resources and Education at Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. “So, when we’re faced with a lot of unknowns related to environmental issues, this is one of the simplest things we can do. It costs a lot less than putting solar panels on your household.”
The center is distributing the plants as bareroot seedlings, meaning they’re small enough for individuals to easily carry. Patrons are allowed up to two species per family/individual.
Pickup is available during normal office hours, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., until supplies run out.
Trees offered
- Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
- Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
- White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Shrubs offered
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
The center will provide planting instructions upon request, or people can call (317) 774-2500 with questions.
Elsewhere, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is offering an Invasive for Native Tree Swap program throughout April to promote invasive species awareness, and Westfield’s Parks and Recreation Department will distribute free native tree saplings during its annual Green Day event on April 26.
National Arbor Day happens each year on the last Friday in April to encourage tree planting and preservation.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/celebrating/free-native-tree-giveaway-in-carmel-through-arbor-day.
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