Community invited to 28th annual TreeFest at Independence Mall
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 28th annual TreeFest is back at Independence Mall for the community to take part in.
The event will be held at the JCPenney’s atrium on January 16th and 17th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until inventory runs out.
Each household can select up to five bare-root-tree seedlings or native branch grass plugs at the event. Those taking part are encouraged to donate $5 to fund the return of TreeFest in 2027. Donations have funded over 180,000 trees and grasses to rebuild the canopy of New Hanover County and neighboring counties.
In order to reduce plastic waste, attendees are encouraged to bring their own bags or buckets as bare-root seedlings should be planted promptly.
Experts will be on site to assist with plant selection and provide care advice, with considerations for site conditions, space, and utility lines.
TreeFest committee expects to have the following species available from the NC Forestry Nursey in Goldsboro:
- Longleaf Pine
- Baldcypress
- Chickasaw Plum
- Buttonbush
- Red Maple – Piedmont
- River Birch
- Flowering Dogwood
- Silky Dogwood
- Southern Wax Myrtle
- Sugarberry
- Eastern Redbud
- Crabapple
- Coastal White Oak
TreeFest began in 1997 to restore tree populations after hurricanes Bertha and Fran. Since then, over 100,000 tree seedlings have been given out to local residents.
