NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division is providing 50 tree seedlings to communities or higher education institutions interested in holding an Arbor Day Celebration.

The second Friday in March is recognized as Arbor Day in the Land of Enchantment. This year it will be March 8. “Urban and community forests provide a multitude of critical benefits to residents such as cooling shade, improved mental and physical health, reduced air and noise pollution, and cleaner water,” Alyssa O’Brien, Urban and Community Forestry Program manager said in a news release. “Trees even have economic benefits by drawing more visitors to businesses, raising property values and lowering crime rates.”

Applications for the Arbor Day Celebration Trees are available here, or email Alyssa O’Brien at Alyssa.obrien@emnrd.nm.gov.