FREE TREES AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS THIS FALL

 

Registration for popular program that helps

Rhode Islanders save energy, money opens August 21st

 

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is teaming up once again with the Arbor Day Foundation, Rhode Island Tree Council, and the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association to give away 1,000 trees as part of the State’s Energy-Saving Trees Program. The Program helps homeowners conserve energy and reduce utility costs while beautifying their neighborhood. 

 

"We’re excited to join with the Arbor Day Foundation and our local partners again this fall to offer free trees to Rhode Islanders,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “This program is extremely popular and most trees are spoken for within days of registration opening - so be sure to register early! Planting a tree is a great way for homeowners to reduce their monthly expenses while promoting a healthier environment and creating a beautiful memory with their families.”   

 

Trees play an important role in cooling streets and homes, filtering air, and reducing stormwater pollution. The trees distributed under the Energy-Saving Trees Program are approximately four to six feet tall and will be distributed in three-gallon containers for easy transport.  The Rhode Island Tree Council will provide planting and care instruction to homeowners – as well as guidance on how to maximize energy-savings.  When planted properly, a single mature tree can save $30 annually in heating and cooling costs. 

 

Registration opens on August 21 and is required in order to reserve a tree. Supplies go fast, so early registration is recommended.  For more information and/or to register for the program, visit www.arborday.org/RIDEM.  Trees can be picked up during one of the following pick-up events:

 

Saturday, September 9 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)  

Colt State Park, Route 114, Bristol

 

Saturday, September 16 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)  

Coastal Growers Market, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown

 

Saturday, September 23 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Hope Street Farmers Market, 1051 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence

 

Saturday, October 7 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

RI Tree Council Headquarters, 2953 Hartford Avenue, Johnston

 

For more information on DEM's programs and divisions, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM).

 

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The Labor Day travel rush is underway. According to Triple-A, drives who left before noon today were likely to beat the heaviest traffic heading to their holiday destinations. Saturday between 6 and 10 a.m., Sunday before 11 a.m. and Monday before noon are other suggested travel windows. Meanwhile, the TSA says it will screen more than 17 million people over the period.        The White House plans to cut billions in foreign aid funding. On Thursday, President Trump moved to cut four-point-nine-billion-dollars in foreign aid through a seldom-used budgetary tactic dubbed "pocket rescissions." It is a maneuver where the president attempts to cancel funding in a window of time when Congress is in recess.        Rain from the Southwest to the Southeast may throw a wrench in the Labor Day weekend. Flash Flood Warnings had been put in place in areas of Louisiana and Mississippi earlier today. Parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama also face the biggest threat of large amounts of rainfall.        The next showdown over President Trump's immigration crackdown is likely to happen in Chicago. Multiple reports say ICE is planning expanded operations as soon as next week, much like the ones recently carried out in Los Angeles. FOX News reports that just like in Los Angeles, the White House is prepping contingency plans to send in the National Guard if any ICE protests get out of hand.        Kyle Schwarber made history Thursday night. The Phillies slugger set the franchise record with nine runs batted in after going four for six with four home runs in Philadelphia's 19-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Schwarber is the fourth player in franchise history to hit four home runs in a single game. It's the 21st time in major league history any player has had a four-homer game.        The summer box office is winding down. Zach Cregger's "Weapons" is looking to get back on top with a projected 14-point-three million dollars over the four-day holiday weekend. Disney's "Freakier Friday" is projected to take in 11-point-four-million dollars followed by new release "The Roses." The Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman comedy could bring in as much as 10-million dollars. "Kpop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event" is expected to draw younger crowds after last weekend's limited released.