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Farmers Branch residents had the opportunity to take home one of 200 free trees during the city's fifth annual Arbor Day tree giveaway, organized by the Public Works Department in partnership with Parks and Recreation.
The celebration included an Arbor Day proclamation and ceremonial tree planting at Templeton Trails Park before festivities continued at Farmers Branch City Hall, where residents collected trees, participated in craft activities and received information about upcoming city events.
Residents who preregistered for the giveaway could select from three tree varieties: boxelder, cedar elm or Drummond, a variety of red maple. Public Works staff worked alongside Mayor Terry Lynne and Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca to load the reserved trees into residents' vehicles.
For those who did not preregister, the Parks and Recreation Department offered desert willow, saucer magnolia and Texas sycamore saplings. Residents could choose a sapling to take home while visiting the department's tables outside City Hall.
Parks and Recreation staff also distributed Arbor Day-themed items and provided craft activities and information about upcoming programs and events in Farmers Branch.
The giveaway marked the fifth year that the Public Works Department has organized the event under the oversight of Alexander Pharmakis, the city's sustainability manager.
This year also marked the second time Parks and Recreation partnered with Public Works for the annual celebration, expanding the activities available to residents.
Jocelyn Avina, Farmers Branch city events manager, highlighted the city's participation in Tree City USA, a program of the Arbor Day Foundation that recognizes communities for their commitment to urban forestry.
"The city partners with Tree City USA, part of the Arbor Day Foundation," Avina said.
According to Avina, the city's Arbor Day activities include planting a tree in the community and supporting efforts toward recognition through the Tree City USA program.
Through the annual giveaway, ceremonial planting and collaboration between city departments, Farmers Branch continued its Arbor Day tradition while providing residents with opportunities to plant trees of their own.
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