August 24, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, County Executive Calvin Ball announced the Department of Recreation & Parks in cooperation with the Office of Community Sustainability will be giving away 2,020 native trees for Howard County residents to plant on their property.
“Planting a tree is one of the best things individuals can do to promote sustainability and to combat the ongoing effects of climate change,” said Ball. "While 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year, this giveaway of 2,020 trees is a wonderful opportunity for residents to plant a little bit of hope and encourage positive growth in our community.”
There are four tree species to choose from: Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Black Gum, and Red Maple. Each tree is native to Maryland, meaning that it is acclimated to our climate and provides benefits to our local pollinators and wildlife. Residents may choose up to three trees and will be responsible for picking up, planting, and caring for their tree(s). Pickup dates are Thursday, September 24 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Each pickup day/time will have two locations, West Friendship Park and Rockburn Branch Park.
“The county successfully plants thousands of trees each year to combat climate change, reduce storm water runoff, and create wildlife habitat," said Howard County Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme. "Although 2020 has certainly been a challenging year for each of us, our department is committed to creating a green and sustainable Howard County.”
For further information about the 2020 Tree Giveaway, including the registration link, descriptions of the trees, and details on the pickup locations, please visit www.livegreenhoward.com/treegiveaway.