Glen Carbon to giveaway free trees to residents April 16

Glen Carbon announced its new initiative, the “Glen Carbon Grassroots” Campaign, which will be a village-organized, periodic activity to support a wide variety of environmental village projects.

The first such event is a tree giveaway happening Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the village’s public works department, located at 153 N. Main St. Residents will need to show proof of residency. In addition, trees will be distributed at elementary schools in the village. Details about the distribution will be communicated directly from District 7 leadership to students.

The village will distribute 500 native, conservation grade, bare-root trees to Glen Carbon residents and children to plant on their home’s property. Tree varieties include Overcup Oaks, River Birch and Flowering Dogwoods and are approximate heights of two to three feet.

The trees were purchased from the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, cost $1,750 and sponsored by TWM, Inc.

Rob DeConcini, TWM's president, said he was happy to sponsor the tree giveaway for the community.

“Since 2015, TWM has enjoyed the privilege of serving as the village’s trusted partner in expanding and improving its parks and green spaces,” DeConcini said. “We are equally honored to have a hand in this new grassroots tree-planting initiative as a continued commitment by the village toward sound environmental investment and stewardship practices.”

Mayor Bob Marcus is looking forward to this inaugural tree giveaway event and is beginning to discuss other community endeavors as part of the village's grassroots initiative.

“It’s great that so many individuals in our town are coming together to support each other, the environment and the beautification of our neighborhoods,” he said. He is also thankful to the volunteers and staff helping to coordinate the tree giveaway effort. The trees will be distributed to individuals on a first-come, first-serve basis. Signs will also be posted.