By 1808Delaware
On Saturday, October 11, Westerville residents will have the chance to plant roots—literally—through a unique partnership between the City of Westerville and the Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT). Between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, native trees and shrubs will be available for free pickup at the Sustainable Westerville Repair Café, hosted inside The Point at Otterbein University, located at 60 Collegeview Road.
This isn’t just a giveaway. It’s a hands-on effort to improve local ecosystems, one yard at a time.
Why Native Plants Matter
The list of available species reads like a love letter to Ohio’s natural landscape: elderberry, pawpaw, red and roughleaf dogwood, fragrant sumac, black gum, and more. Each plant is grown in the FACT tree nursery and selected for its ability to thrive in local conditions while supporting birds, pollinators, and healthy soil. Planting these species contributes to stormwater control and long-term biodiversity.
Whether it’s the striking red twigs of dogwood in winter or the sweet fruit of a pawpaw in summer, these trees and shrubs offer more than beauty—they serve as living tools in the ongoing work of conservation.
How to Get Yours
Participation is simple but requires registration. Interested residents can visit www.FriendsOfAlumCreek.org to sign up ahead of the event. The early fall timing is ideal for planting, giving new trees and shrubs time to settle before the first hard frost.
Organizers hope the giveaway inspires more Westerville households to engage with sustainability efforts. For those already passionate about conservation or just looking to start, this is a low-barrier way to make a long-term impact right at home.
A Greener Future, Together
FACT and the City of Westerville have long collaborated on watershed education and ecological stewardship. Events like this show what’s possible when a city and its residents work in sync toward a healthier environment.
The trees are free—but the opportunity to invest in your community’s future is priceless.
Image by Etienne GONTIER from Pixabay
