Local non-profit organization hopes to create a 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 give away 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 on Saturday, but has done it in many other locations such as the Northside neighborhood in Wilmington.
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is a non-profit organization dedicated to planting, protecting, and preserving trees to enhance the quality of life in the region.
But that quality of life may be in danger, according to Isabelle Shepherd, the executive director of the organization.
She said there has been a significant decrease in tree canopy, due to stormwater damage and rapid development.
“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.
Shepherd and her organization have done all they can: planting trees in low canopy areas, giving tree saplings away in locations with low-density canopies, and even written up recommendations for land ordinances and codes to present to county leaders; all this so people can see how vital trees are.
“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.”
Shepherd hopes her organization encourages people to put on their gloves, big a hole and plant a tree, even if it’s a small one.
“In our city, as Wilmington area grows hotter and hotter, sensitive populations, vulnerable populations, are susceptible for heat related illnesses, trees are not just pretty, they are here to protect us, we have to protect them, and we have to plant them.”
The organization’s next tree giveaway will be at the leland Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, March 14th, from 9 am to 12 pm.
