New Britain ROOTS to Give Away Bare-Root Tree Seedlings in Celebration of Arbor Day

By New Britain ROOTS

Do you know the phrase, “Right tree, right place”? New Britain ROOTS is ready to help you choose the right tree for your place! On April 24, ROOTS hosts a Community Arbor Day event at Central Connecticut State University featuring food, family activities and a giveaway of bare-root tree seedlings, otherwise known as tree whips, for the first 100 attendees. These seedlings are easy to plant, typically 5 to 14 inches tall, and ideal for getting young trees established.

The event takes place at Central Connecticut State University’s Willard-DiLoreto Hall Atrium from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with public parking available in the Willard-DiLoreto parking garage. The event opens with food, followed by family-friendly activities. Dr. Leah Glaser (History, CCSU), author of Branching Out: The Public History of Trees, closes the event with her lecture, “The Stories Trees Tell,” followed by a book signing.

ROOTS recently received a $114,400 grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as part of the state’s Urban and Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grant Program, helping expand tree canopy and community access to green spaces. New Britain residents can also expect additional resources in the future, including opportunities to request larger tree saplings, as well as de-vining and mulching services.

Attendees choose from three species of bare-root tree seedlings, including red oak, Allegheny serviceberry and French pussy willow. Red Oak provides strong shade and supports local wildlife, while Allegheny Serviceberry offers seasonal interest in spring blooms and edible berries. French pussy willow is known for its soft, early-spring catkins and adaptability in a variety of landscapes. Informational pamphlets are provided to help attendees properly plant and care for their trees.
“ROOTS is excited to celebrate Arbor Day with our community,” said Alex McHardy, ROOTS community projects manager. “We hope this event encourages people to plant and care for trees, and most importantly, enjoy the many benefits trees provide us.”

About New Britain ROOTS:

New Britain ROOTS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving food access, environmental sustainability and community education through urban agriculture initiatives in New Britain. Founded in 2013, ROOTS works to build a more just and equitable future by