Florence, South Carolina – A spring afternoon in Florence will soon carry a different kind of energy, one rooted not in noise or rush, but in growth, shade, and quiet renewal.
As Earth Day approaches, a collaborative effort is taking shape, bringing together local organizations and residents for a shared purpose: planting the future, one tree at a time.
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The City of Florence has joined forces with Duke Energy, alongside partners Keep Florence Beautiful, Naturally Outdoors, and the South Carolina Forestry Commission, to organize a native tree giveaway scheduled for April 29.
The event will unfold from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., or until all trees have been claimed, on the back lawn of Naturally Outdoors on West Palmetto Street.
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Residents planning to attend are encouraged to arrive prepared, ideally with a pickup truck or trailer, as the trees, many housed in large 15-gallon containers, are not small take-home items. Instead, they represent long-term additions to yards, neighborhoods, and the broader urban landscape.
Distribution will follow a first-come, first-served approach, creating an atmosphere of anticipation as attendees select from a range of native species. Among the available options are Willow Oak, Eastern Redbud, Princeton Elm, and Southern Magnolia, trees known not only for their beauty but also for their adaptability to the region’s environment.
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Beyond simply handing out trees, the event offers an opportunity to learn. Experts from the South Carolina Forestry Commission will be present to guide participants, offering practical advice on planting techniques, tree care, and species-specific insights.
For many, it will be a chance to gain confidence in nurturing something that will grow for decades.
The initiative reflects a broader vision, one that values sustainability, community involvement, and the simple but lasting impact of planting something that will outlive the moment it begins.
