Tampa Republic

Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa has announced the upcoming Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway event, where 500 free trees will be distributed to residents of the city. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, from 9-11 a.m., will allow each resident to receive up to two free trees from a selection of six species.

"Tampa prides itself on a world-class urban tree canopy, but we must continue to do everything we can to protect and replenish it. You can help us by taking home a tree or two," Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining Tampa's urban tree canopy.

In line with the city's efforts to enhance its green spaces, Mayor Castor announced a goal of planting 30,000 trees by 2030, aiming to plant about 5,000 trees annually. To support this initiative, the City of Tampa recently secured a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Urban and Community Forestry program.

After the distribution of 500 trees at the upcoming event, Mayor Castor shared plans to collaborate with neighborhood associations and community partners to deploy another 500 trees throughout the year. The selected tree species include Southern Live Oak, Red Maple, Longleaf Pine, Simpson Stopper, Yaupon Holly, and Red Mulberry, with residents choosing their preferred species on-site.

Residents who wish to participate in the Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway event must live within the City of Tampa limits and be prepared to show proof of residency. Additionally, residents are advised to bring suitable transportation to safely carry the 5- to 8-foot tall trees, with staff available on-site to assist with loading.

The event, organized by the City of Tampa's Parks & Recreation Department and the City's office of Sustainability & Resilience, aligns with Mayor Jane Castor's vision for Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow. Pre-registration for the event is closed, but a limited number of day-of registration slots will be available.

Residents interested in contributing to Tampa's urban tree canopy are encouraged to participate in this initiative, which not only enhances the city's green spaces but also promotes environmental sustainability and resilience.

For more information about the Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway event, residents can contact the City of Tampa at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, Florida, or call (813) 274-8211.