South Bend hosting two Arbor Day tree giveaways

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Venues Parks and Arts announced on Wednesday that it will be hosting two Arbor Day free tree giveaways on Saturday, April 27 at Rum Village Nature Center and Saturday, May 11 at Howard Park.

"South Bend celebrates its 27th year as Tree City USA and received a 2023 Tree City USA Growth Award for a second year," said Marketing Manager for South Bend Venues Parks and Arts, Bailey Murphy.

"Through the sponsorship of the AEP Foundation, and a generous donation of 200 trees from Indiana representatives Maureen Bauer, Jake Teshka, and David Niezgodski, the City of South Bend and the Venues Parks & Arts Forestry Crew will give away 200 non-invasive trees ... including hawthorn, tulip, sunburst honey locust, redbud, red jewel crabapple, and more. Each event will also include educational booths to promote ecological stewardship in the community."

Both events will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

“Arbor Day reflects hope for the future,” said Forestry Manager, Brent Thompson. “Planting trees is an act of kindness and is a gift for community members and generations to come.”

Organizers say both events will take place rain or shine, and that the free trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the city's website to learn more about the tree canopy program and how to donate and click here to learn more about the Pinhook Park Native Tree Trail and how to become a sponsor.