The University of Arkansas at Monticello Homepage

By Madison White

Forestry student with the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Fast Facts

• Forestry Division and ArborGen give out over 700 native trees at UAM
• Free Tree Friday serves as an important way for Arkansas to celebrate Arbor Day and highlight the benefits of planting native trees

MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello welcomed a mix of college students and local landowners looking to plant trees and participate in Free Tree Friday, an annual event hosted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division.  

Setting up in front of the George H. Clippert Forest Resources Annex, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture forestry faculty and local Forestry Division personnel gave out over 700 native trees on Friday, April 3.

Seedlings distributed by the Forestry Division included pecan, sycamore, overcup oak and Shumard oak. Participants were able to select up to five free trees from the species variety.

This year’s event received additional support from ArborGen through a donation of trees. Participants were eligible to receive up to five free trees from ArborGen, in addition to those provided by the Forestry Division. Available species included baldcypress, pin oak, willow oak, cherrybark oak and Nuttall oak.

“The Bluff City, Arkansas Nursery team at ArborGen Inc. is proud to support opportunities that promote education for future professionals in forestry and wildlife management,” said Robert R. Nimmo, ArborGen nursery manager for their Bluff City, Ark. location. “Engaging with students helps inspire interest in these vital industries, and we remain committed to developing the next generation while providing Arkansas landowners with high-quality trees that deliver strong, lasting results.”

Because the seedlings are distributed as bare root, proper planting is important for success. Forestry Division professionals provided a “How to Plant Your Bare Root Tree” guide that explained the proper planting depth, watering and early-care tips. 

Statewide Initiative Supports Local Impact

This marks the fifth year the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources has partnered with the Forestry Division to serve as Monticello’s host site for Free Tree Friday. The event provides an opportunity for the college to support Arbor Day and highlight the many benefits trees provide.

Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the essential role trees play in our environment. They provide clean air and water, forest products and wildlife habitat. While southern states observe the holiday earlier due to a longer growing season, Arbor Day is officially recognized on April 20.

“We’re proud to continue partnering with the Arkansas Forestry Division to host Free Tree Friday in Monticello,” said Dr. Michael Blazier, dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. “This event is an important part of our Arbor Day celebration and reflects our commitment to promoting the many environmental and community benefits of trees while helping put more trees in the ground across Arkansas.

Free Tree Friday is a statewide initiative led by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Funding for the program is provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

The event promotes tree planting while highlighting the environmental and community benefits trees provide, supporting broader urban and community forestry efforts across Arkansas.

 

 

About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.  

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.