Walton Family Foundation Enables Eureka Springs Tree Planting & Giveaway Initiative

The Walton Family Foundation is supporting an ongoing effort by the City of Eureka Springs Tree City USA Committee and the Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation Commission to advance Urban Forestry efforts through new tree plantings in public spaces.

The Eureka Springs Tree Planting Initiative proposal was created by Chris Fischer working with Scott Miskiel, Executive Director of the Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation Commission.

The planting of 14 native trees will be coordinated with Patti Erwin, who was recommended by Steuart Walton of the Walton Family Foundation. Planting will take place in various locations of the Spring gardens before the end of the fall 2022 season. The Parks team will prepare for the plantings by opening space in these various locations which includes removing a Cedar tree and an Althea tree at Harding Spring.

The tree species that will be planted include:

2 Hophornbeam 3 White Flowering Dogwood 5 Appalachian Redbud 2 Deciduous Holly 2 Ohio Buckeye

Because of the Walton Family Foundation support, Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation is excited to also announce a giveaway of 100 trees at the Community Center on a first-come, first-served basis. 50 trees will be given away starting at 8:00 AM at the greenhouse location during the Farmer’s Market on Thursday, October 20, and another 50 trees will be given away starting at 10:00 AM at the greenhouse location, prior to the Native Plant Collaborative’s 11:00 AM workshop on Saturday, October 22.

The tree species for the giveaway include:

20 Northern Red Oak 20 White Flowering Dogwood 20 Deciduous Holly 20 Witch Hazel 20 Sourwood

It’s likely the trees will go fast so please plan to arrive at the giveaway start times to get your favorites.