Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, a nonprofit that enriches communities by growing and planting trees through the power of people and partnerships, is celebrating its 30th year as an organization. The public is invited to join in a celebration on Saturday, April 29, at the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Event. This special event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Scott Joplin House site (2700 Samuel Shepard Drive; St. Louis, MO 63103).

Since its founding in 1993, Forest ReLeaf has given away more than 230,000 trees to public and nonprofit projects and to areas affected by disaster. In this same spirit of partnership and connection, Forest ReLeaf is offering free native Missouri trees at the April 29 event. St. Louis City residents are invited to reserve their tree in advance at www.moreleaf.org. 

In addition to the tree giveaway, the event will include a celebration of Forest ReLeaf’s 30th birthday (complete with cake), as well as the unveiling of plans for a future City Tree Farm at the Scott Joplin House site, in partnership with Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation. DTLS Landscape Architecture, the local firm designing the tree farm, will facilitate listening sessions and answer community questions from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“We are so thankful to our volunteers and partners, who have shown such dedication over the last three decades,” said Meridith McAvoy Perkins, Executive Director of Forest ReLeaf. “We’re particularly grateful to be able to undertake projects like the City Tree Farm, which will bring trees closer to the places and the people that need them, inspire advocacy for trees, and communicate that a strategic, resilient tree canopy must be part of any city’s future.” 

To arrange an interview with Forest ReLeaf leadership or to request high-resolution photos, please contact Brooke Foster at brooke@wearenovella.com. To learn more about the work that Forest ReLeaf does in St. Louis and across the state, please visit www.moreleaf.org.