Earth Day Tree Giveaway Program
Earth Day Native Tree Giveaway
Trees are remarkable resources. From air quality improvement and soil stabilization, to cleaning and filtering polluted water, and even flood control; trees are truly invaluable. With a mission in conservation and flood control, this endeavor aligns perfectly with the Official Plan of the MWCD.
Purpose
In an effort to support educators, wildlife, and instill an admiration for and connection with nature in the generations to come, MWCD has developed an Earth Day Native Tree Giveaway program. This program aims to provide public and private regional elementary school students with seedlings to celebrate Earth Day to its fullest potential. Seedlings are provided to schools for distribution to students with the expectation that they will be planted at students’ homes or property. This program provides children with the opportunity to watch their seedlings grow throughout their lifetime and see firsthand the benefits trees bring.
Eligible Applicants
Superintendents (or those with the written authority from the superintendent) are encouraged to apply. Applications are open to districts who agree to distribute the awarded seedlings to elementary grade levels (kindergarten through the 5th grade) within the physical boundary of the Muskingum River and Duck Creek watersheds. Applications from an authorized person who is not the superintendent (i.e. principal, school administrator, teacher, etc.) will be accepted and reviewed only when submitted with a letter of approval from the school superintendent and/or the school board.
Cross-sector collaborations will also be accepted and reviewed (ex. local soil & water conservation district partnering with a school and/or school district). Letters of support must demonstrate this partnership.
General public, daycares, high schools, colleges, or schools outside the physical watershed boundary of the Muskingum River or Duck Creek are unfortunately not eligible for this program.
Eligible Requests
Applicants must request a minimum of 210 seedlings but can request up to a maximum of 600 seedlings. Applications must outline the participating school(s), the grade level(s), and the anticipated number of students reached. Applications must also demonstrate capacity to accept, maintain, and distribute the requested seedlings. Schools may only submit one application within a two-year period.
Application Process
The 2025 application window is September 15 through October 14. Applications submitted before or after this window will not be accepted. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and merit. Complete applications detailing the means to execute an award successfully will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be notified of their application status via email unless an alternative contact is provided. Applications can be found at www.MWCD.org. Please submit your signed and completed applications by mail or email (in PDF format) to the contact listed below. Applications submitted via email will receive confirmation.
Application Materials