The Alabama Forestry Commission and the city of Clanton will hold a tree give-away next week in observance of Arbor Week.

Arbor Week is Feb. 21 through Feb. 27. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the city will give away 3,000 tree seedlings to the public. Species will include willow oak, water oak, Nuttall oak, sawtooth oak, Shumard oak, river birch, Chinese dogwood, crepe myrtle, persimmon, beauty berry, crabapple, red maple, Japanese maple and zelkova.

The give-away will begin at 9 a.m. in front of Clanton City Hall and last until supplies run out.

Clanton Beautification and Tree Board member Susan Rickles said the project is part of Clanton’s urban renewal program.

“Each county in the state will receive these trees. Anybody can come get the trees,” she said. “They can get one of every kind or just the ones they want.”

At the give-away will be members of the Beautification and Tree Board as well as representatives of the Alabama Forestry Commission. Among these are two certified arborists and several Master Gardeners. Rickles said the board members will be glad to answer any questions residents may have.

The trees are free to anyone who wants them, Rickles added.

Another event that coincides with Arbor Week is the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest. On Thursday, Feb. 18, the Clanton winners will be announced at Clanton Intermediate School at 1 p.m.

The first place winner’s poster will be taken to Anniston to be entered in the state contest.

Beautification and Tree Board members will also plant a tree in honor of the first place winner at Clanton Intermediate on Thursday. The trees have been planted annually for several years.