The Kentucky Division of Forestry will distribute nearly 700 free trees to Caldwell and Graves counties on October 19 and 26. Supported by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Tree Recovery Program and State Farm, this initiative aims to replace trees lost in the December 2021 tornadoes.
In a written statement, State Forester Brandon Howard said that expanding tree canopies is a simple, cost-effective way to enhance community quality of life. He added that planting trees is a future investment as communities recover from natural disasters.
The tree distribution event in Dawson Springs will take place on October 26, from 9 AM to noon, at Veterans Park on Railroad Avenue. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of five per household.
Following the disaster, Arbor Day Foundation CEO Dan Lambe stated that trees offer hope for neighborhood healing. By replanting, he said local partners are taking significant steps to build community resilience and establish a greener future.
On December 10-11, 2021, an EF-4 long-tracked tornado devastated an 11-county area in Western Kentucky, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life in numerous communities including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, and Bremen. The tornado traveled about 165 miles, making it the deadliest and longest-tracked in an outbreak that included multiple EF-4 to EF-1 tornadoes across Kentucky and other states. This event marked the most widespread and devastating storm in Kentucky’s history.
