Dayton Locals Flock to Annual Tree Seedling Giveaway

The 26th annual Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Giveaway at the 2nd Street Market provided over 1,600 native tree seedlings to the community.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:19am

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A soft, out-of-focus photograph of a child's hands gently holding a small tree seedling, surrounded by a warm, hazy bokeh of blurred colors representing the vibrant community event.The annual tree seedling giveaway event allows Dayton families to plant their own piece of nature, fostering a connection to the environment and a sense of community stewardship.Today in Dayton

To kick off Earth Week, the 26th annual Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Giveaway took place at the 2nd Street Market in Dayton, Ohio over the weekend. The event, facilitated by Kristie Fisher, Kimes' daughter, provided over 1,600 free tree seedlings of 26 different native species to more than 100 community members, including many children eager to plant their own piece of nature.

Why it matters

The giveaway aims to encourage sustainability and environmental stewardship in the Dayton area, as the community has seen a decline in native tree populations due to factors like bug infestations and deforestation. By providing free seedlings, the event empowers residents to plant more trees and replenish the local ecosystem.

The details

The tree seedlings were donated by the Miami and Montgomery County Water and Soil Conservation District. Attendees were able to choose from a variety of native species, including flowering trees, fruit-bearing trees, and even some larger conifer options. Each person was allowed to take home up to two seedlings to plant in their yards.

  • The giveaway took place on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The annual event was started in 1999 by Carolyn Kimes, who was known as the 'Crazy Tree Plant Lady' in the Dayton community.

The players

Kristie Fisher

Carolyn Kimes' daughter and the facilitator of the annual tree seedling giveaway event.

Carolyn Kimes

The founder of the annual tree seedling giveaway event, who was a known tree lover and planted them on her farm.

Miami and Montgomery County Water and Soil Conservation District

The organization that donates the tree seedlings for the annual giveaway event.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people have had trees taken down. We have a lot of bug species that have been hard on some kinds of native trees. This really just helps, with more oxygen in the atmosphere.”

— Kristie Fisher, Event Facilitator

“We really have quite a variety, usually in the beginning on Saturday. White flowering dogwood and red buds are our first trees to go.”

— Kristie Fisher, Event Facilitator

“We love having kids plant trees. They plant them when they're little, and then the trees get big, and the kids get big. And it's really just gratifying to be down here to help people, plant a lot of trees in Dayton.”

— Kristie Fisher, Event Facilitator

What’s next

The Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Giveaway will return to the 2nd Street Market next Earth Week in April 2027.

The takeaway

The annual tree seedling giveaway event in Dayton is a heartwarming community tradition that empowers residents to take an active role in enhancing the local environment and ecosystem through the simple act of planting a tree.