Alliance for Cape Fear Trees To Give Away Over 1,000 Native Trees in Riegelwood

The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees will hand out more than 1,000 native trees at Riegelwood Baptist Church on March 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Households can pick up two trees. First-come, first-served while supplies last.

This giveaway marks the third distribution in Columbus County for ACFT. A $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation pays for the event, which is part of a $550,000 statewide investment in environmental resilience.

Residents from Columbus, New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties can attend. The church sits at 103 N.C. Highway 87.

"This partnership with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is a perfect example of how we can build stronger, more resilient communities through environmental stewardship," said Pam Hardy, district manager of Duke Energy's Government and Community Relations, according to WECT. "We're proud to support efforts that bring lasting benefits—like cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and greener futures—to the people of southeastern North Carolina."

The group has handed out more than 4,300 native trees across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Columbus counties this planting season. Over its history, ACFT has given away more than 19,800 trees and planted more than 3,500.

Trained tree stewards and certified arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts will be on site to help. Staff will help residents pick the right species, show proper planting technique,s and answer questions.

Available species include Autumn Brilliance serviceberry, black gum, Clarynette American hornbeam, DuraHeat river birch, and fringe tree. Oak varieties include overcup, Princeton American elm, Shumard, swamp white, white, and willow.

All species are suited to southeastern North Carolina's climate and soil conditions. Information on available tree species is available on ACFT's website in advance of the event.