The City of Sarnia will mark Earth Day with two events to benefit the environment, one of which will see 400 trees given to property owners for free.
The long-standing community cleanup and the new tree giveaway will be held on Saturday, April 26.
Manager of Recreation and Parkland Planning Services Krissy Glavin said the tree giveaway was presented to city council by the Sarnia Environmental Advisory Committee through the 2025 budget process to provide residents with different types of trees, all native to southern Ontario.
Each tree will be roughly one to two metres when distributed.
Twenty different species will be available for pick up, a full list can be found on the city's website. The trees must be planted on private property.
Sarnia residents can visit Germain Park to collect their free tree, beginning at 9 a.m. Trees will be distributed from the southern gate to the forestry yard, east of the Strangway Centre and just west of the park’s Japanese Garden.
Glavin said while residents can choose the type of tree they would like, they will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis.
Meanwhile, residents are again encouraged to sign up to clean litter left behind in public greenspaces, including trails and city streets, during the annual cleanup day.
Clean up kits, provided by NOVA Chemicals, will include bags, gloves, and other supplies. Kits can be picked up at the Strangway Centre on April 25 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Glavin said last year, about 410 participants registered for the event.
Afterward, the Rotary Club of Sarnia-Lambton After-Hours will host a barbecue at Germain Park.
Earth Day is on Tuesday, April 22.
Meanwhile, the Neighbourhood Revitalization Project will host a clean up of Mitton Village on April 22 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Volunteers will meet at 135 Mitton St. S.
Pizza will be provided for volunteers. Those who bring a non-perishable food item for River City Vineyard's food bank will also receive a plant to take home.