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Monday, April 8, 2019

Free trees! Starts today


DEM’s energy-saving trees program launches today

Image may contain: plant and outdoorThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away 1,000 trees as part of the State's Energy-Saving Trees Program. 

Now in its eighth season, the program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees on their property.

"We're pleased to join with the Arbor Day Foundation again this spring to offer free trees to Rhode Islanders," said DEM Director Janet Coit. 

"Planting a tree in the right place can improve air quality, sequester carbon, and help manage stormwater runoff. It's a terrific way for residents to reduce their energy costs today and in the years to come, and a tangible way to stand up to climate change. Most trees are spoken for within days of registration opening, so be sure to register early!"

Trees play an important role in cooling streets and homes, filtering air, and reducing stormwater pollution. The trees distributed through the Energy-Saving Trees Program are approximately four to six feet tall and will be distributed in three-gallon containers for easy transport. 

The Rhode Island Tree Council will provide planting and care instruction to homeowners – as well as guidance on how to maximize energy-savings. When planted properly, a single mature tree can save $30 annually in heating and cooling costs.

Registration opens on Monday, April 8, and is required to reserve a tree. Recipients must be Rhode Island residents. Supplies go fast, so early registration is recommended. For more information and/or to register for the program, visit www.arborday.org/RIDEM.

Trees can be picked up during one of the following pick-up events:

Saturday, April 27 (9 AM – 12 PM) Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket
Saturday, May 4 (9 AM – 12 PM) Westerly Public Library/Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly
Saturday, May 11 (9 AM – 12 PM) Woonsocket Public Library, 303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket
Saturday, May 18 (9 AM – 12 PM) RI Tree Council Headquarters, 2953 Hartford Avenue, Johnston

For questions about the Energy-Saving Trees Program, contact Caroline Scanlan, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator in DEM's Division of Forest Environment, at 222-2445, ext. 2056, or email her at Caroline.scanlan@dem.ri.gov.

For more information on DEM's programs and divisions, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM).

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