More than a dozen species of trees are expected to be available at this year’s annual TreeFest in Wilmington.
The event, now in its 28th year, will be held 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Jan. 16-17, or until inventory runs out, at JCPenney’s atrium, Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Drive.
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Households may select up to five bare-root tree seedlings or native bunch grass plugs.
A $5 donation per household is encouraged and will be used to fund the return of TreeFest in 2027.
Experts will be available to assist with plant selection and provide care advice based on individual site conditions, space, and utility lines.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags or buckets to reduce plastic waste.
The TreeFest committee expects to receive from the North Carolina Forest Service’s Claridge Forestry Nursery near Goldsboro a variety of species, including longlead pine, bald cypress, chickasaw plum, buttonbush, red maple, river birch, flowering dogwood, silky dogwood, southern wax myrtle, sugarberry, eastern redbud, crabapple, and coastal white oak.
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More than 180,000 trees and grasses have been funded through donations since TreeFest’s inception in 1997 to restore tree populations after hurricanes Bertha and Fran.
The event is held in an effort to rebuild tree canopy in New Hanover County and neighboring counties.
For residents of other counties or to get additional plants, seedlings may also be purchased directly from the Forest Service nursery by calling 1-888-NCTREES (628-7337) or from the online forestry store. They may also be ordered through any Forest Service office.
