MDC to celebrate Arbor Day with free tree giveaway, nature hike and Smokey the Bear
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Arbor Day officially falls on Friday, April 24, and the Missouri Department of Conservation is celebrating with its annual Community Forestry event, inviting families to branch out and learn about Missouri's native wildlife and invasive species.
The event is scheduled at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the MDC Northwest Regional Office, located at 701 James McCarthy Drive.
According to MDC Forester Timothy Wolfe, the annual tradition offers a hands-on opportunity to connect with Missouri’s diverse ecosystems.
"We get to actually hand out those trees to each family that wants to participate in it," Wolfe said. "It's an ongoing event that allows us to celebrate Arbor Day each and every year."
Attendees can choose from a wide variety of species to take home.
The giveaway includes Bald Cypress, Walnut, Cottonwood, Deciduous Holly, Kentucky Coffee Trees, Mixed Hickory, Norway Spruce, Pin Oak, Pitch Loblolly Pine, Silky Dogwood, Silver Maple and Wild Plum.
Each family in attendance will receive two trees, while supplies last.
Beyond the tree handouts, the event will feature several conservation partners.
The St. Joseph Woodworkers Guild will be on-site showcasing their craft, while the Loess Hills chapter of the Master Naturalist will educate guests on how to plant a tree, proper care techniques and the importance of putting "the right tree in the right place."
Wolfe emphasized that education extends to what not to plant.
Following the department’s recent Callery Pear Buyback program, MDC will continue to raise awareness about invasive trees and plants threatening Missouri’s landscape.
"We will be talking about invasive trees and invasive plants in general," Wolfe said.
Weather permitting, a nature hike will be held at 11 a.m.
Organizers ask that participants wear proper footwear and attire suitable for walking in the woods. The hike will explain the difference between invasive species and the native trees found on the office’s nature trail.
Given ongoing concerns about drought conditions, especially in northwestern Missouri, MDC will also distribute information on wildfire prevention and the risks associated with herbicide sprays in agricultural areas this time of year, with Smokey the Bear presenting information on droughts and how to prevent wildfires.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, you can go here.
