Neighborhood Forest
2026
Gives free trees to kids every Earth Day.
The trees arrived on April 15, 2026, and all have been picked up! Tag us with #MyPCL and #NeighborhoodForest in our photos.
Quaking Aspen:
Height of 40-50′ and spread of 20-30’ at maturity. Fast-growing at more than 24″ per year once established.
Keep the soil moist. Water newly planted trees once a day for the first couple of weeks after planting, and once a week after that during the growing season. In subsequent years, periodic deep watering is preferable over frequent light watering. Watering can be tricky!
Grows in Hardiness Zones 1-7 view map
We are pleased to announce that the Parkland Community Library is participating in the 17th annual Neighborhood Forest Free Trees for Kids program this spring, in observance of Earth Day. This initiative provides children in our community with free trees to plant, thereby enhancing our environment’s greenery and health. Engaging our youth in such activities fosters a love and respect for nature from an early age.
Participation in the Neighborhood Forest Free Trees for Kids program not only benefits the environment but also empowers children to play an active role in positively influencing their community. Planting trees advances the overall health of our planet and establishes a lasting legacy for future generations. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this meaningful initiative and anticipate its positive impact on our community.
We cordially invite all families in Parkland to participate in this program celebrating Earth Day. United in effort, we can effect change and foster a more sustainable future. Let us come together to plant trees, nurture our environment, and demonstrate to our children the significance of caring for our planet. Thank you for your support in making our community greener and healthier for everyone.
Trees will be distributed during Earth Week.
Sapling Pickup
The trees will be held at the circulation desk.
An email will be sent during Earth Week to those families who registered for their free tree. Saplings (6–12 inches in size) arrive bare-root with planting instructions. They will not survive long without proper care.
After 3 days, any leftovers will be given to any patron who requests one to ensure their survival.
Parents and caregivers can register for a free tree with this online form by March 15.
About Neighborhood Forest
We love trees, love planting them, and watching them grow. We want to give every child this joy.
Founded in 2010 by Vikas Narula, Neighborhood Forest grew from a free tree project started by David Kidd. Vikas and his college friends adopted the program and gave away tens of thousands of trees to school children across southeast Iowa.
After graduating from college, Vikas moved to Minneapolis. Years later, when his first son entered kindergarten, Vikas rekindled his college love of giving trees to children. He started Neighborhood Forest, and the program grew into a family affair.
What started with four schools in Minneapolis has grown to over 400 schools, libraries, and youth groups in 35 states across America and Canada. Neighborhood Forest aims to reach every child in North America and, eventually, the world.
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