The ninth annual “Seedling Giveaway” on Saturday, hosted by Montgomery Trees at Ida Bell Young Park, allowed her to do that as she purchased three bare root seedlings to plant in her backyard. The giveaway commemorates Alabama Arbor Week, a recognition which is observed nationally as Arbor Day the last Friday in April. In Alabama, it is recognized earlier because it is a better time to plant.
“I try to plant something every year, and with the seedlings and all, I think they are indigenous plants to our area,” Mohejerin said. “We did (have a lot of trees) when we moved into the neighborhood, but so many times I think trees die when they develop in the neighborhood because they crush the roots. We had an oak tree in the back that died shortly after we moved in, so this will be a good way to replace that.”
The mission statement of Montgomery Trees is to protect, promote and enhance the urban forest of the city and county of Montgomery, said Sarah Churchman, president of Montgomery Trees. The “Seedling Giveaway” is held every year in association with Alabama Power and Alabama Forestry Commission.
There were 1.300 bare root seedlings ready to be handed out this year.