NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District 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 elementary school students (grades K-5) across the Muskingum River and Duck Creek watersheds with native tree seedlings to take home and plant. By encouraging children 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 children to experience those benefits firsthand, watching their seedlings grow year after year.”

Schools within the watershed region are invited to apply to receive between 210 and 600 seedlings for distribution to students. The 2026 giveaway will feature five native species: Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, Red Oak, Serviceberry, and White Oak. 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 through Oct. 14 on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested schools or authorized representatives should submit a completed application form, available at www.mwcd.org under conservation.

Awardees will receive a single shipment of seedlings ahead of Earth Day 2026.