FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILLISTON, VERMONT – Sustainable Williston, Williston’s grassroots environmental group, will commemorate Williston children born or adopted between August 2015 and August 2016 with the gift of a free tree or shrub for each child at the third annual Birth Tree Celebration Sunday, September 25th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Gardener’s Supply on Marshall Avenue in Williston. The free event is expected to include refreshments and craft activities for children. All Williston residents are invited. Families can register and select their tree and shrub choices by Friday, September 16th at www.SustainableWilliston.org/BirthTrees .

“It’s a unique program, and one that families will cherish as their children grow,” said Brooke Thomas, the celebration’s organizer. “What better way to welcome our new residents than with a living tribute which will grow alongside their child? The program also helps develop an early appreciation for nature and the environment while bringing together the Williston community.”

Williston’s Birth Tree Program was founded in 2014 by Sustainable Williston member Marie-Claude Beaudette, who wanted to recreate the tradition she knew from the birth of her own children in St. Bruno, Quebec.

The tree and shrub selections, donated by Gardener’s Supply, include flowering shrubs like Red Dogwood, trees like River Birch, and blueberry bushes.

Sustainable Williston is a citizen group active in projects like alternative energy, water quality, and carbon footprint reduction. They are online at SustainableWilliston.org.