Norman residents, it's time to stretch those green thumbs. The City of Norman Parks & Recreation Department is rolling out a tree giveaway this November, setting you up to not only beautify your own slice of the neighborhood but also to contribute to a legacy of urban foliage. Partnering up with the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, First United Bank of Norman, Grissom Landscape Nursery, and the Norman Park Foundation, they're making it easy to plant the right tree in the right place, literally.
Set the date for 8 a.m. on November 21, at Griffin Community Park, 1001 E. Robinson Street, and be sure to get there early because it's all about who comes first, and you wouldn't want to be the last. These trees are going until they're gone. The event is about strategic greening, with the goal being to plant trees that don't cozy up too close to overhead power lines—and also to pick species that offer a bevy of benefits like bill reduction, erosion control, and pollution tackle. According to an article by the City of Norman, available options this year include the Little Gem Magnolia, Brandywine Red Maple, Shoal Creek Vitex, and Blue Point Juniper; the maple is one to give wide berth to those buzzing lines above.
As City Forester Colin Zink said in a statement obtained by the City of Norman, “Any time you can plant a tree anywhere, it’s going to give us those environmental benefits.” Zink will be on hand during the event, offering expert advice on how best to plant and nurture these environmental gems. Turns out now is prime time for planting, as most of a tree's growth is concealed beneath the soil, fostering robust roots that will thrive come the springtime surge of rain.
For locals eager to participate, remember—entry into Griffin Community Park is strictly through the main entrance on Robinson, and solely for those coming westbound, so no swerving across lanes. With sustainability and community growth at its heart, the event allows just one tree to the cradle of each household, though carpoolers can lump together and grab a few more, provided they've got the IDs to prove distinct homesteads. And it's not a grab-and-dash kind of deal, recreation center staff will check you in, chat about your tree preference, and hand over a helpful informational card with all you need to get that tree from sapling to stalwart, according to the City of Norman article.
Residents seeking additional information can contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 405-366-5472. Officials encourage the public to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the initiative supports the community and contributes to long-term environmental benefits.
