Group plans to give away 150,000 trees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois group aiming to improve the environment is continuing its “Million Trees Project” with plans to give away 150,000 saplings this spring. 

East Moline-based Living Lands and Waters will hand out native, nut-bearing hardwood trees including Bur, White, Red, Pin, Black, and Swamp Chestnut oaks as well as Shagbark Hickory trees. 

Trees must be ordered in advance from the not-for-profit organization and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders must be received by Feb. 24. 

The bare root saplings - from six inches to three feet tall - will be delivered in April. 

Living Lands and Waters officials say trees provide food for wildlife, increase biodiversity, reduce erosion and run-off and improve water and air quality. 

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Online: http://www.livinglandsandwaters.org/milliontrees/default.htm