Tree Seedling Giveaway: Planting the Seeds for a Greener Cape Fear Region

Help restore our local tree canopy and ensure a sustainable future—one seedling at a time!

While other local organizations are also contributing to tree planting efforts by offering 3-gallon trees, TreeFest is proud to continue its tradition of empowering residents to grow their own trees from the ground up with our free tree seedling giveaway this January. Together, we’re all playing an important role in restoring and strengthening the region’s tree canopy. Even though hurricanes may no longer dominate the headlines, this work remains crucial to the long-term health of our community.

Our annual giveaway started as a response to the hurricanes that devastated our local tree population, but our commitment has only grown stronger. Trees are an essential part of our ecosystem, providing clean air, shade, and wildlife habitats. By focusing on giving away seedlings and grass plugs, we’re encouraging the community to plant and nurture trees that will grow tall and strong for generations to come.

Why Seedlings Matter:

While larger, 3-gallon trees can provide an immediate impact, seedlings offer unique advantages. They are easier to transport, require less immediate maintenance, and offer residents the opportunity to watch their trees grow and thrive over the years. Plus, planting a seedling means giving your tree the best possible start in its natural environment.“Our goal isn’t just to give away trees—it’s to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship,” said Amy Mead, spokesperson for TreeFest. “We want to make sure everyone can participate in this long-term restoration effort."

2026 TreeFest Information

Join us to be part of this exciting, hands-on effort to rebuild the Cape Fear tree canopy—starting with seedlings that will grow into tomorrow’s forest. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community and the environment!

• Dates: January 16 - 17 | 11 AM - 4 PM (or until supplies run out!)
• Location: Independence Mall - JCPenney Atrium | 3500 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC
• How to Participate: Just show up and pick up your seedlings to help grow our local tree canopy! Households can select up to five free trees or grasses, with a suggested $5 donation per household.
• The TreeFest committee expects to receive and have the following species available from the NC Forestry Nursery in Goldsboro:
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Longleaf Pine
  • Baldcypress
  • Red Maple
  • River Birch
  • White Oak
  • Eastern Red Cedar
  • Chickasaw Plum
  • American Persimmon
  • Silky Dogwood
  • Crabapple
  • Sugarberry
  • Buttonbush
  • Wax myrtle
  • Dwarf Palmetto
  • Little Bluestem
  • Big Bluestem

More About TreeFest

TreeFest began in 1997 after hurricanes Bertha and Fran decimated tree populations in the area. Since its inception, TreeFest has given away over 100,000 tree seedlings to area residents.

The NC Forest Service Nursery in Goldsboro, NC grew the plants for this event. A voluntary planning committee and many sponsors, including the City of Wilmington, Independence Mall, N.C. Cooperative Extension, NC Forest Service, New Hanover County Soil and Water Conservation District, and UNCW’s Departments of Environmental Sciences and Biology & Marine Biology, make TreeFest possible with the generous donations from its patrons and event day volunteers.