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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing editor

The Chilton Natural Resources Council will hold its annual tree giveaway in the parking lot behind the Clanton City Hall on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m.

If it is raining, they will be in the parking deck.

The event is a longstanding tradition in recognition of Arbor Week, which is commemorated during the last full week of February.

Small sapling trees are available for free to any community member who wants them. The trees are about the size of branches and are easily transported.

Varieties available vary from year to year.

This year, varieties being given away include redbud, fringe tree, dogwood, persimmon, red mulberry, bald cypress, white oak, American elm, cherrybark oak, shumard oak, black (gum) tupelo and crabapple, according to council member Brian Smith.

Each year, trees are donated to the event. Smith said the council is also purchasing some saplings.

“Everybody likes free things,” Smith said. “I like being able to give something out free that people can plant and enjoy for years to come.”

He said he enjoys being able to drive by where the council has planted trees in parks or near schools and see the growing.

Council members will be on-hand to answer questions about the tree varieties.

Smith said the event is fun because of the team work of the council members involved.