On Saturday, October 12, 500 trees will be available free to the public at Bowman Field Airport’s historic terminal building located at 2815 Taylorsville Road. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude around noon, or while supplies last. Funding for the tree giveaway is provided by the Louisville Renaissance Zone Corporation in partnership with the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Bowman Field Airport (LOU).
“Events like this help us make a difference in the community while improving the environment and growing the tree canopy,” said Dan Mann, President of the Louisville Renaissance Zone Corporation and Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “It’s great to partner once again with Louisville Grows, a local organization who is helping us give back with a long-lasting, positive impact.”
Louisville Grows is a local 501(c)(3) organization whose mission supports urban forestry, environmental education and urban agricultural.
“Louisville Grows appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Louisville Renaissance Zone Corporation and Airport Authority to promote the healthy benefit of planting trees through this giveaway,” said Ked Stanfield, Executive Director of Louisville Grows. “Fifty years down the road, these trees are going to be producing oxygen and shade for residents across the Louisville Metro area. Partnerships like this are what we need to continue to grow greener, healthier neighborhoods.”
A variety of 10 different tree species will be available – all native to the area and considered non-ornamental. Each tree is approximately 5-foot to 6-foot tall and will come bundled in its own individual container. Participants will be able to receive up to three trees.
The following tree species will be distributed: Bald Cypress; Black Gum; Dogwood; Hornbeam; Oak; Poplar; Red Maple; Redbud; Serviceberry and Sugar Maple.
The public is encouraged to follow along on the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Facebook and Twitter accounts for the status of available trees as the event progresses.
The tree giveaway is also part of the Airport Authority’s SDF Cares initiative, which is an organization-wide giving program that encourages staff to volunteer their time in the community.
“Anytime our staff gives their time and engages with the community for its betterment, that is a win-win,” said Mann. “I look forward to seeing our folks out there alongside the Louisville Grows team as we giveaway hundreds of trees to our Bowman Field neighbors and others.”
The Louisville Renaissance Zone Corporation promotes economic development and airport-compatible redevelopment in the Renaissance South Business Park. The Business Park is comprised of approximately 680 acres and located within two miles of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in an area that was previously part of the Airport Authority’s Voluntary Residential Relocation Program.
Bowman Field is the longest, continuously operating, publicly owned general aviation airport in the United States. It serves as a critical reliever airport for Louisville Muhammad Ali International, keeping the relatively smaller and slower general aviation aircraft safely away from the faster, heavier aircraft at SDF.
For additional information regarding the Louisville Renaissance Zone Corporation or Louisville Regional Airport Authority, click here.
