100 Fruit and Nut Trees Available Free to The Plains Residents

A local tree planting project working to replant trees in The Plains, Ohio needs donations of $20 a tree to cover costs. After a devastating tornado tore through the village on September 16, 2010 and destroyed many of the village’s trees local agencies are taking advantage of an opportunity to cover the community with edible fruit and nut trees for free. Ohio University’s College of Medicine Americorps program (OU Comcorps) will be planting 100 fruit and nut trees on Saturday, October 23, 2010 for the national program Make A Difference Day (MADD). The goals of the project are to increase food security in The Plains, Ohio and surrounding communities, sustainability of local food pantries, and to aid in the recovery and restoration of natural landscape in The Plains.

“Currently we have money to pay for trees that will be planted on municipal land but we need other monies that will pay for trees planted on private land” says OU Comcorps member Kurt Belser. “$20 a tree will not only pay for the cost of the planting and maintenance but will also provide nutritionally superior food for the families and community for generations. Please donate today.”

Collaborators include OU Comcorps, Community Food Initiatives, Athens County Health Department, Athens Arborist ltd., and many local community volunteers. Trees can be sponsored for just $20 a piece, with that cost covering the tree, fencing, mulch, and water. Make checks or money orders payable to Community Food Initiatives and mail or drop them off at 94 Columbus Rd, Athens, OH 45701. For questions or information contact Keri Brannon 740-593-2274 or Brannon@oucom.ohiou.edu