Free Tree Giveaway Monday In Oregon

OREGON — The Oregon Park District will host a free tree giveaway Monday at the Nash Recreation Center as part of the Rock River Trail Liberty Oak program celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Saplings will be available on a first come, first served basis and include bur oak, red oak, swamp white oak and pecan trees. The annual effort is held in partnership with local organizations and the Rock River Trail Initiative, with trees provided at no cost through the Living Lands and Waters Million Trees Project. Officials said the bare root saplings, which are 1 to 2 feet tall, should be planted as soon as possible after pickup, with instructions provided. Additional pickup sites in Lee and Ogle counties include the Dixon Park District at Lowell Park Nature Center, the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, the Oregon Park District, the City of Byron and the Byron Forest Preserve District at Jarrett Prairie Center. Organizers said more than 167,000 trees have been planted through the program over the past 16 years to help reduce erosion, improve water and air quality and support wildlife habitat.