Events

Did you know that tree planting season in Wilmington is October to February (and not the spring)?

Our mild winter months give newly planted trees a 2 to 3 month head start in establishing roots so they can better survive our hot summers!

November 2nd (Saturday morning) - 900 Free Tree Giveaway in Riegelwood NC
- Location & time: Riegelwood Baptist Church from 9:30 am til noon
- Species (subject to availability): Princeton Elm, Armstrong Red Maple, Brandywine Red Maple, October Glory Maple, Serviceberry, Dura Heat River Birch, American Holly Satyr Hill, Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia, Little Gem Magnolia,, Swamp White Oak, Overcup Oak, Nuttall Oak
- Here is a chart of all the species with their height/width, sun & soil preference, etc - so you can pick out your ideal tree. It is followed by more detailed info sheets for each tree.
- Bring a photo or description of where you want your new tree to go and our experts can help you select the best species options!
- Also bring a bag or container for free mulch!
- Sign up to volunteer [CLOSED - thank you. We have all the volunteers we need for this event]. For those of you who signed up, you'll need to be at Riegelwood Baptist Church at 8:30 am. The event will last until all the trees are given away (noon at the latest)
- Funded by International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation
November 10 (Sunday) - Tree planting at the "Fearless Forest"
- Location & time: "Fearless Forest" Reclamation Project at the NHC Landfill (5210 US-421, Wilmington 28402) from 11am until 1pm.
- The ACFT, Plastic Ocean Project, and Audi Cape Fear will be planting 75 trees at the new "Fearless Forest" Reclamation Project located at the New Hanover County Landfill. We'll be planting a variety of oaks to restore and enhance a charming area next to a pond in an old sand mine. This forest will enhance our community’s green spaces and exemplify how waste practices can be sustainable.
- Sign up to volunteer - volunteers need to be there at 11:00 am. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks: from planting trees, digging, and overall getting your hands dirty. Please wear long pants, boots/sneakers, and bring a hat and gloves if you like. Also, bring sun screen and bug spray if you think you'll need it.
- Thank you to Audi Cape Fear for sponsoring this event! (they donated $100 toward trees for every new Audi they sold in September and October). We'll also be having another planting event with Audi Cape Fear in January!
January 15th: Community Meeting at the Arboretum - If you would like to learn about our local rules and regulations for development, and what you can do to help ensure that the unique character of the Lower Cape Fear area is protected and preserved, this meeting is for you! Look for an invitation soon.

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Past Events

March 24 & April 28th: Heritage Tree Tours! In cooperation with the Historic Wilmington Foundation and the Wilmington Tree Commission, we held two tree tours this spring to celebrate both NC and National Arbor days. We visted a number of impressive trees downtown and discussed the science and history behing them.
March 9th (Sat): Give Away of 600 trees at Legion Stadium in monsoon conditions!. Funded by HSB through the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the City of Wilmington. Check out the event photo album.
February 10, 2024: Tree Planting in the Southside neighborhood. We planted 123 trees in the area around Robert Strange Pool. Funded by grants from the Landfall Foundation, NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (EMGVA), and Truist Financial (through the Arbor Day Foundation) with the help of the City of Wilmington. Check out the event photo album.
January 27, 2024: Distribution of 500 trees in the Southside neighborhood (from Robert Strange Pool). Funded by Truist Bank through the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the City of Wilmington.
December 2, 2023: Tree Planting in the Southside neighborhood. We planted 71 trees in the areas around Jervay Communities down to Greenfield St. Funded by Truist Financial through the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the City of Wilmington. Thank you St. Andrews AMEZ Church and Reverand Smith for hosting!
November 18, 2023: Distribution of 700 trees from Legion Stadium. Funded by Truist Bank through the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the City of Wilmington.
November 11, 20203: Tree Planting commemorating the 125th anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and coup d'état. We planted 25 street trees in the neighborhood surrounding Saint Luke AME Zion Church. Funded by Truist Bank through the Arbor Day Foundation with the help of the City of Wilmington. Thank you Saint Luke AME Zion Church and Pastor Armour for hosting!