Written by: Jackie Czachorowski, Digital Content Specialist, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Milford Tree Giveaway brings community together for a greener future
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Milford community came together for a meaningful and educational event: the Milford Tree Giveaway.
Hosted by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension (UDCE) in collaboration with the Milford Community Garden and the Delaware Master Naturalist Program, the event was part of the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI). Designed to promote the planting of native trees, TEDI is a statewide effort supported by DNREC, the Delaware Forest Service, and other environmental stakeholders.
Held at the Milford Community Garden, the event offered residents the chance to take home free native trees while learning about the importance of tree planting, sustainable landscaping, and the broader environmental impact of native species.
Informational resources on selecting, planting, and maintaining trees were available at the event and online through TEDI’s website. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with local organizations and explore the programs offered by UDCE.
“The TEDI tree giveaway brought the community out to learn about the value of native trees, what programs UDCE offers, and introduced them to the Milford Community Garden. It was a great outreach event that also inspired the community to plant more native trees!” said Blake Moore, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Extension Agent and leader of the Delaware Master Naturalist Program.
Approximately 185 trees were distributed to individuals during the event, while another 65 were donated to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays for future planting.
Organizers highlighted the strength of partnerships in making the event a success and noted that similar efforts are continuing statewide — including an upcoming giveaway by the Sussex Conservation District, which plans to distribute 500 trees in the coming weeks.
You can help. Plant trees at your home or business and add them to the TEDI Tracker.
For more information, contact the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative by email at tedi@delaware.gov or contact the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Naturalist Program’s Blake Moore at rbmoore@udel.edu.