Esri, the global market leader in geographic information systems (GIS), and the University of Redlands, a private liberal arts and professional university in California, have partnered to distribute free trees for planting in an effort to fortify the region’s urban forest and promote environmental stewardship. 

Two free trees per household will be available for drive-through pick up from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at the University of Redlands’ Ted Runner Stadium parking lot, located on the corner of University Street and Brockton Avenue. Tree species including chitalpa, eucalyptus, oak, palm, and pine will be available with instructions for planting and maintenance. 

“Climate change involves all of us. Personal and local actions can make a big difference,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. “Esri is proud to partner with the University of Redlands to provide trees to residents of the City of Redlands and other communities who are eager to help sustain our environment through this initiative.”

The COVID-19 state shutdown postponed the “first” tree giveaway intended for elementary students in the Redlands Unified School District. However, ensuring those trees found homes created an opportunity for organizers to open up the giveaway to the entire community while also providing access to information on tree planting and care, benefits of trees, parent and teacher learning resources, and more. 

“The University is pleased to support this inspired project which will raise the collective environmental consciousness in Redlands,” said University of Redlands President Ralph W. Kuncl. “Thousands of trees will be planted in our local communities resulting in abundant benefits including cleaner air and the shade and beauty that enhance the charm of Redlands.”

To learn more about the community tree giveaway and access the “Trees, Please” resources, please visit Redlands.edu/trees.