​​Keep Pasco Beautiful, in partnership with the Florida Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Grant, is celebrating Florida Arbor Day with a Native Tree giveaway on January 17.

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There will be a free 30-minute tree planting seminar offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County in Dade City at 11 AM. The City of New Port Richey will begin its Arbor Day Celebration at 2 PM at Frances Avenue Park. Trees will be provided in three-gallon pots to ensure easy transportation.

 

To receive a free tree, you must preregister. Two tree options are available: Fringe Tree and Firebush. Each person is eligible to receive one tree, and quantities are limited.

 

Tree Distribution Sites:

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UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County

36702 County Road 52, Dade City

• Tree Planting Seminar: Starts at 11 AM (30 minutes)

• Tree Distribution: 11 AM to 1 PM

• Tree experts will be on-site to provide tips and answer your questions.

 

Frances Avenue Park

5580 Frances Avenue, New Port Richey

• Arbor Day Celebration: 2 PM to 3 PM

• Tree Distribution: 3 PM to 5 PM

• Tree experts will be on-site to provide tips and answer your questions.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a greener environment and enhance the beauty of your surroundings.

 

These events are made possible through the collaboration of Pasco County, Reworld Pasco, Tampa Bay Water, the City of New Port Richey, the City’s Environmental Committee, New Port Richey FarmNet, Genesis School, the Master Gardener Volunteers, UF/IFAS Extension, Pasco County Florida Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Grant, and Keep Pasco Beautiful.

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We LOVE trees and we know lots of you do as well. Trees are crucial to the survival of our planet. They remove CO2 and pollutants therefore reducing the “heat island effect”. They also preserve soil by decreasing storm water run-off, and provide shade and shelter for many animals.  

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The first Arbor Day took place in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. J. Sterling Morton was secretary of the Nebraska Territory and a huge advocate for trees. He proposed a tree holiday to encourage citizens and civic groups to plant them. Prizes were awarded to individuals and counties for properly planting the most trees. Over 1 million trees were planted on that first Arbor Day in Nebraska. Robert W. Furnas was the Nebraska Governor that officially proclaimed Arbor Day on April 10, 1874.  Arbor Day became a legal Nebraska state holiday in 1885, when it was decided that it would be observed annually on April 22. 

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Arbor Day was celebrated in more than 45 states and territories by 1920. Today all 50 states acknowledge the critical role trees play in our survival by recognizing the event. Many states observe the holiday on the last Friday in April, but that date may vary depending on the best time to plant trees. That is why Florida Arbor Day takes place on the third Friday in January. This year it will be January 17, 2025. 

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Not quite sure how to plant a tree? We got you. Click the button below for a guide that gives you all the info on how to plant your new tree baby and how to take care of it for years to come. ​​ #ArborDayAcrossTampaBay #PascoArborDay

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