Florida Arbor Day event in Crestview offers free tree seedlings

CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Free tree seedlings will be distributed on Saturday, January 18, at the John McMahon Environmental Center in Crestview in celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day.

The event, sponsored by the Florida Forest Service (FFS) and the University of Florida IFAS Okaloosa Extension, begins at 10 a.m.

The FFS will provide one-gallon tree seedlings, including varieties such as American Beautyberry, blueberry, buttonbush, crabapple, elderberry, gallberry, mayhaw, pawpaw, plum, common persimmon, sugarberry, and Virginia sweetspire. Each of the first 50 families in attendance will receive one tree.

A tree planting demonstration will precede the giveaway, and Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer questions about planting and care.

The John McMahon Environmental Center, named after the late state forester John McMahon, serves as the event’s venue. Mr McMahon, who passed away in 2015, dedicated 30 years to Florida forestry and established the center to educate the public about trees, wildlife, and nature. The center features over 100 native Florida trees, many planted by McMahon himself.

Florida celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday in January to take advantage of the cooler climate, ideal for planting young trees. This timing allows trees to establish before the warmer months. While National Arbor Day is observed in April, Florida’s early observance aligns with the state’s unique planting conditions.

The John McMahon Environmental Center is at 130 Butler Cir, Crestview, FL 32536.