The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is bringing back one of its most popular events.
A tree giveaway is slated for April 19 at the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area for those who were quick enough to sign up earlier this week.
Alyssa Broeders, who is running the program, explained that the 125 trees available for the giveaway were all claimed before the LTVCA could even promote the program to the wider public.
"We give people that have signed up for our newsletter exclusive access a day before we post about it on social media," she explained. "There is a possibility of adding more trees, which we will be posting directly to our social media about."
All of the trees are native Carolinian trees, including Sugar Maples, White Birch, and Redbuds. The trees will be in one-gallon or two-gallon pots and are around 1.25 to 1.5 metres tall.
If any Chatham-Kent residents plan to plant trees on their property but didn't manage to snag one of the LTVCA's free trees, Broeders suggests trying to plant native species if possible.
"It really depends on the conditions on your property such as soil type and moisture content, but always plant native if you can," she said. "There are some great guides online to help select the correct tree for your area, such as The Ontario Tree Atlas."
Those who did manage to register for one of the LTVCA's trees can show up within the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. window on April 19.
Last year, the LTVCA gave out 650 trees during two giveaway events.
"In the spring, we gave out 400 trees," Broeders said. Adding that the other 250 were handed out in the fall.
She said that LTVCA hopes to hold a second giveaway this autumn, either in late September or early October.
To find more information, click here.
The tree giveaway is being funded by TREE Canada.