Tree Board readies 440 saplings for April 25 Earth Day event and launches self-guided tree tours

The Michigan City Tree Board told members on March 4 that approximately 440 young trees have been ordered for an April 25 Earth Day Extravaganza, where the board will operate a giveaway booth and provide planting and care information.

Board volunteers described logistics: tagging trees in advance, setting up buckets for distribution, and preparing a large sign listing available species and wildlife value so visitors can quickly select appropriate saplings. "I'll write out the 440 tags," a board member said, and others offered volunteer support to tag and staff the booth.

Separately, the board said it received a $3,000 Mayor's Community Activation Grant to develop self-guided tree tours tied to the city's inventory. Staff plans to print signs for parks and school sites and link QR codes to inventory pages so residents can view species and location information during walks.

Organizers said the tree giveaway will start at noon on April 25; details on volunteer shifts and tree pickup logistics will be finalized at future meetings.