By JIM FARIS

The Missouri Department of Conservation is celebrating Arbor Day this Saturday, at the Northwest Regional Office, situated on the MoWest campus at 701 James McCarthy Drive.

Participants can get two free seedlings, including varieties like bald cypress, black walnut, cottonwood, pin oak, silver maple, and wild plum. MDC staff will also be educating on where to plant trees, and how to care for them properly.

At 11 AM, all are invited to join the Loess Hills Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists to learn about local tree species on a hike, weather permitting.

Smokey Bear will be there for photos, and the St. Joseph Woodworker’s Guild will have displays of their craftsmanship.

The event is free, but registration is required. It can be completed here.