Local non-profit organization hopes to better environment by giving away free Trees

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees partnered with the Duke Energy Foundation, to help giveaway more than 1,00 native trees for anybody who stopped by, free of charge.

The organization gave away Trees to any residents who stopped by at the Riegelwood Baptist Church but has done it in so many other locations as well, like at the Northside neighborhood in Wilmington.

Their goal? To help grow the Wilmington Tree population. Isabelle Shepherd, the Executive Director for the non-profit organization, says it’s essential to regrow the trees.

“The Tree canopy within the city dropped from 48 percent to 41 percent within an 8-period span. The New Hanover County Tree Canopy report also noted a loss of 3 thousand acres,” said Shepherd. “We have to take note of that, and we have to start acting and replanting to replenish the canopy we have lost. It’s important for stormwater management, urban heat island effect management, and important for public safety and health.”