Seedling giveaway will feature fundraiser in memory of former asst. parks director

The Jasper Park and Recreation Department will hold the annual tree seedlings giveaway at the Arnold F. Habig Community Center, 1301 St. Charles St., Friday, April 22 starting at 9 a.m.

The department will give away 1,200 tree seedlings of a variety of species. Six seedlings will be available for each person for free.

This year’s seedlings from the state nursery will include the following species:  White Pine, Bald Cypress, Flowing Dogwood, Redbud, Cherry Bark Oak, Scarlet Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, Norway Spruce, Overcup Oak, Bur Oak and Butternut Select.  

Additionally, the department will be accepting donations during the event to go to the Jasper Park and Recreation Department in Memory of Mike L. Oeding Endowment through the Dubois County Community Foundation. For each dollar raised, an anonymous donor has agreed to provide a matching dollar.

Mike Oeding was the former assistant parks director until he passed away unexpectedly last year. Oeding started the seedling handout several years ago.