Posted: Tuesday, April 6, 2010 12:17 pm

Murfreesboro, Tennessee – April 6, 2010 – The City of Murfreesboro’s Parks and Recreation and Stormwater departments, the Cumberland River Compact, and the Stones River Watershed Association are teaming up to help the community enhance the greenways with a tree planting.

The city hopes volunteers will come out to Cason Trailhead, 1100 Cason Tr., from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 10 to plant trees along one of the newest sections of greenway.

“Trees are an excellent low-cost way to improve the function of the greenway and the water quality in our streams,” Angela Jackson, program coordinator for Greenways in Murfreesboro said. “They also have incredible health benefits for people. We want our community to be involved in creating our greenways, and creating green space in their yard. That is why we are giving away free trees to all who come by on the 10th.”

The city hopes residents will also pick up a tree to plant in their yard.

When planted these trees will help shade the greenway, provide habitat and forage for native animals and improve the overall aesthetic for the park system.

"Trees are important to our watershed,” Jackson said. “They help control stormwater and runoff, decrease the heat island effect, and help residents reduce their electric bills. The City would love for residents to plant more trees in their yards” says Robert Haley (Water and Sewer Department). “Of course, you need to be wary of utility lines and plant appropriate trees in appropriate places.”

Volunteers can help plant Shumard Oak and Tulip Poplar trees along the greenway and at home. The City of Murfreesboro, Cumberland River Compact, and the Stones River Watershed Association are also sponsoring a tree giveaway to all Murfreesboro citizens.