TreeFest, an annual distribution of tree seedlings, will be held Friday, January 19, 2018 and Saturday, January 20, 2018, 10am-5pm, or until trees run out.
TreeFest will be inside Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington NC, in the JC Penney wing.
A variety of tree and grass seedlings, many of which are native, will be available to help residents increase the tree canopy and biodiversity in their yards. There is a limit of five trees and/or grasses per household. A list, along with helpful tips, may be viewed here (PDF).
TreeFest is funded by donations received from participants during the event, and there is a suggested donation of $3 per household.
TreeFest began in 1997, after hurricanes Bertha and Fran destroyed many trees in the area. The TreeFest Committee organizes the event; members and sponsors include:
- New Hanover County Parks and Gardens Department
- New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District
- North Carolina Forest Service
- Keep New Hanover Beautiful
- City of Wilmington
- Wild Bird and Garden
- UNCW Department of Environmental Sciences
- Independence Mall
The trees and grasses are grown in Goldsboro, North Carolina at the NC Forest Service Nursery. The committee encourages planting of the seedlings within a week of the event, noting that winter is a great time to plant trees and grasses in the New Hanover County area.
Source: Jessica Loeper, New Hanover County NC
