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Somerset County Park Commission Giving Away Trees at Arbor Day Event

Park Visitors Will Receive One Free Tree Per Household
Posted on: April 10, 2024 - 2:52pm
Arbor Day

In recognition of Arbor Day, the Somerset County Park Commission will be hosting two Native-Tree Giveaway events on Friday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center (EEC), and on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Colonial Park Arboretum. Trees will be given away, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last. The Park Commission will allot one free tree per household.

A diverse selection of native trees and shrubs will be available at each location, as well as eight species of trees native to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Handouts with information about each native-tree species including the expected height and optimal conditions for tree growth will be included in the handouts and available at each location. Horticulturists will be on-site to answer questions.

The events will be at the following locations:

  • The EEC is on 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. For more information, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5336.
  • Colonial Park Arboretum is on 156 Mettlers Road in (Parking Lot F), Somerset (Franklin Township). To learn more about the event, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5721.

Individuals with hearing or speech impairment can call the Relay Service at 711.

The History of Arbor Day
Arbor Day became a legal holiday in the state of Nebraska in 1885. By 1920, 45 states had recognized the holiday, the tree-planting tradition became customary, and children were learning about the importance of trees in school. Today, fifty states celebrate Arbor Day as a national holiday occurring on the last Friday in April. However, some states declare Arbor Day on a different date in January through May, depending on when the state’s best tree-planting weather occurs.

Funding for the Arbor Day Native Tree Giveaway
The Arbor Day Native Tree Giveaway is made possible through funding from the Somerset County Park Foundation. Native bare-root trees will also be available at the EEC location only and made possible by the Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission.

Somerset County Park Foundation
The Somerset County Park Foundation is a non-profit 501c(3) organization created to preserve, support, and promote the Somerset County Park Commission’s programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.