NICEVILLE, Fla. — Residents looking to add shade, greenery, or native plants to their yards can pick up free trees and blueberry plants on Friday, January 23, during the City of Niceville’s Florida Arbor Day celebration.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The tree giveaway will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lannie L. Corbin Municipal Complex, located at 100-A Partin Drive, according to the City of Niceville.
Residents will be able to choose from a variety of one-gallon trees and plants provided through partnerships with local and state forestry and extension agencies.
According to county forestry officials, the following species will be available during the giveaway:
-
Live oak
-
Sugarberry (hackberry)
-
Sweet bay magnolia
-
River birch
-
Winged elm
-
Highbush blueberry
All trees and plants are one-gallon size and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Larry Williams, Extension Horticulture Agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida, will also bring a limited number of containerized longleaf pine and loblolly pine seedlings to supplement the giveaway.
Educational booths and activities will begin at 9 a.m., ahead of the tree distribution later in the morning.
Participating agencies include the University of Florida IFAS Extension Office, Master Gardener Volunteers, local beekeepers, the Florida Forest Service, and the City of Niceville. A kid-friendly craft table and an Ask-the-Expert station will also be offered.
Florida’s Arbor Day is observed on the third Friday in January, which aligns with the ideal planting season for North Florida. Planting during the winter allows trees and native plants to establish strong root systems before warmer spring temperatures arrive.
Trees and native plantings provide long-term environmental benefits, including improved air quality, stormwater absorption, and added shade in residential areas.
The City of Niceville encourages residents to attend the Arbor Day celebration and take home a free tree or blueberry plant while supplies last.
For more information on tree selection and care in North Florida, residents can visit the University of Florida IFAS Extension at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_Trees.
Niceville.com Community Partner
