In an effort to help county residents preserve our natural resources, the Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting their 3rd Annual Tree Giveaway on Thursday.
The popular tree giveaway, set for 10 a.m. Feb. 6, 2025, in the parking lot of the USDA office in Decatur (76 Little Rock Decatur Road), is open to all Newton County residents.
The species of trees that will be distributed are White Flowering Dogwoods, Easter Redbuds, Persimmons, Sawtooth Oaks, Nuttalls, and Chinese Chestnuts.
Residents participating in the giveaway will be given one bundle (twelve 12–16-inch seedlings), consisting of two of each tree. Bundles are limited to one per family and there will be no holds.
District Technician Robin McDonald said that they will be handing out a total of 250 bundles on Thursday. And with the 3,000 saplings (500 of each species) arriving at their office just days prior to the giveaway, she added that they will be assisted by Newton County High School’s chapter of the Future Farmers of America with the task of bundling the trees, which she is extremely thankful for.
With the tree giveaway being a popular event the past three years, McDonald and the staff at the Soil and Water Conversation District look forward to Thursday’s event. They ask that customers please be mindful and not block the streets, especially the ambulance drive that is next to the USDA office, and to please plant the trees that they receive.
“When you plant these trees, it benefits the land and wildlife. And we’re in a life now where most people don’t think about conservation,” she said. “Planting trees helps maintain healthy soil and a lot of wildlife depend on some of these trees. It’s just good for the land.”
Each bundle that is handed out will also come with an information sheet with details on the trees, how they should be planted, and the best locations to plant them.
For more information on the tree giveaway, or if you need more information on planting your trees, McDonald invites you to contact herself or District Clerk Emilie Smith at the Soil and Water Conservation District Office at 601-635-2327, or email them at robin.mcdonald@usda.gov or emilie.smith@usda.gov.
