Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District announces 2027 Earth Day Native Tree Giveaway for regional schools
Trending
NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH -- The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has announced the opening of applications for an Earth Day Native Tree Giveaway Program, an initiative designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
The program provides regional school students (Kindergarten through 12th grade) across the Muskingum River and Duck Creek watersheds with native tree seedlings to take home and plant. According to a press release from MWCD, by encouraging students to plant and care for their trees, MWCD aims to foster a lifelong connection to nature while supporting conservation, flood control and improved water quality throughout the watershed.
"Trees are one of our most valuable natural resources, benefiting air and water quality, stabilizing soil, and providing habitat for wildlife," said Craig Butler, executive director at MWCD. "This program allows students to experience those benefits firsthand, watching their seedling grow year after year."
Schools within the watershed region are invited to apply to receive between 250 and 1,000 seedlings for distribution to students. The 2027 giveaway will feature three native species: Chestnut Oak, Serviceberry and Tulip Poplar. These trees were selected to maximize biodiversity and support a wide range of growing conditions ranging from small yards to rural properties.
Applications will be accepted from Oct. 2 through Oct. 28, on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested schools or authorized representatives should submit a completed application form, available at www.mwcd.org.
Awardees will receive a single shipment of bare-root seedlings ahead of Earth Day 2027. Program guidelines and applications are available on our website.