Celebrate Arbor Day, Receive a Tree

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by LCM1863. Ms. Chester is a member of Cary’s Parks & Rec Advisory Board.

Cary, NC- Until I became a home owner, I didn’t know much about trees. The Town of Cary and their SPRUCE department hope that Cary residents will turn out for their March 16 Arbor Day celebration and in the process receive a free dogwood sapling as a symbol of the day. The dogwood is also the Town’s tree and North Carolina’s state flower.

Sarah Justice, who heads up the department, spoke about new additions to the town celebration that will include a little fun for the whole family. Spruce volunteers will again plant an honorary tree on town hall campus that day. The town’s certified arborist will be on hand to teach about appropriate tree and site selection as well as proper tree planting techniques. Tree crafts and refreshments will be available, making this event fun for the whole family!

Families can pot up their own sapling to take home and plant along with “How-To” instructions to ensure their tree’s success. The March 16 celebration takes place on Town Hall campus at 316 N Academy St from 1-3 pm

Other Springtime events from SPRUCE

March 23- Great Compost Giveaway- Bring a hardsided container (18-32 Gallons) or come in a pick-up truck or open bed trailer and you can take home free compost to boost the health of the soil in your garden! This event is at 400 James Jackson Ave at the Garmon center and available only while supplies last.

April 13 Spring Litter Sweep- Always a popular event, groups or individuals can sign up to help keep Cary litter-free on this semi- annual Town-wide litter sweep event. Sign up online and select a location where you wish to work. The Town will supply you with all the supplies for a successful event. Runs from 9am-11:30am

April 27 Earth Day at Spring Daze- for the last few years, SPRUCE has coordinated with the Town’s Spring Daze Festival to highlight Earth Day. This year after the success of composting experienced at Lazy Daze, the composting has been expanded. Not only will event bottles and regular recyclables be collected but also food waste will be picked up in select compost bins to be made into soil and further divert waste from our landfill. Thanks to McGill Enviromental for expanding this service.

May 18 Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection- drop off your old paint, out-of date electronics and more at this one day event held 8am-2pm at 400 James Jackson Ave. Free to all Cary residents.

For more info about what the Town of Cary’s SPRUCE Program offers visit the website.