Residents of Jeff Davis County are set to enjoy a greener environment as the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County hosts its annual tree giveaway. Scheduled for Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, at the pantry’s Fort Davis location, the event promises to distribute 50 native trees to local households, enhancing neighborhood shade and air quality.
This year’s selection, curated by a landscape designer and soil scientist, includes Chinkapin Oak, Mexican Buckeye, Mountain Laurel, American Elm, and Cedar Elm. These species are well-suited for the local climate and soil conditions. Each one-gallon tree comes with a detailed description and bilingual guides on planting and watering, ensuring new owners have the knowledge needed to nurture their young trees.
The giveaway is a collaborative effort between the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County and the Big Bend Conservation Alliance (BBCA), with funding provided by the Apache Corporation Tree Grant program. This initiative addresses “tree equity,” a concept highlighting the disparity in tree coverage between affluent and less affluent neighborhoods—a factor that can influence local temperatures, air quality, and public health.
The tree distribution will be held from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Friday and from 9 am to 11 am on Saturday at the Food Pantry located in Fort Davis. Each eligible household can receive one tree on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. No prior registration is required, but recipients must pick up their trees during the designated times.
Organizers of the event believe that even small gestures like planting 50 trees can substantially benefit the community, particularly in areas historically deprived of such natural resources.
For more information about this event and other services provided by the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County, please visit www.foodpantry-jdc.org.
