Sign-up at www.neighborhoodforest.org

Local libraries in Star Valley are collaborating with Neighborhood Forest to offer children the opportunity to plant and nurture their own trees through the Free Trees for Kids program. This initiative aims to educate youth about the importance of trees and foster environmental stewardship.

Neighborhood Forest, founded in 2010 by Vikas and Priya Narula, began with a mission to provide free trees to children every Earth Day. Starting with just four schools in Minneapolis, the organization has expanded significantly over the years. As of Earth Day 2025, Neighborhood Forest has reached over 2,000 schools, libraries, and youth groups, engaging more than 500,000 volunteers, and has planted over 197,000 trees across North America.

The Thayne Branch Library has been participating in the Free Trees for Kids program for five years. Branch Manager Kelsey Richards has observed enthusiasm from both parents and children when they come to pick up their trees.

Families who register for the program can expect a call from their selected library in April, notifying them when their tree is ready to be picked up.

Children in the area who are signed up to receive a free tree will be some of thousands throughout the country who are able to plant their own trees and watch them grow as they care for them.

To participate, parents can sign up their child at www.neighborhoodforest.org and choose their preferred library location, such as the Thayne Branch Library, Star Valley Branch Library, or Alpine Branch Library.

For more information, visit your local library or the Neighborhood Forest website.