Updated: May 30, 2021

A major tree-planting is scheduled for June 12 at the Lower Green Swamp Preserve in Hillsborough County, with roughly 20,000 pine seedlings available to be planted on 80 acres in the Plant City preserve.

Presented by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, as an Action Awareness Project for its 2021 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge, the pine tree seedlings come courtesy of the Sustany Foundation, an event presenter.

Pre-registration is required, which offers a choice of two shifts or an all-day commitment. There is no cost to participate and refreshments will be available. Also, each participant will receive a commemorative event T-shirt while supplies last.

Spots are limited to the first 200 pre-registrants in keeping with Hillsborough County pandemic protocols, which also require face coverings and social distancing.

Additional event presenters include Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management and Hillsborough County Sustainability. Also presenting are TREE, Inc., a nonprofit tree advocacy group, and the Brandon Global Eco Rotary Club, formerly known as Global Rotary Club of Brandon South. The group changed its name to reflect its focus on "supporting the environment," which is Rotary International's newest area of focus.

Planning to attend? Long pants and shirt, hats and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Don't forget sunscreen, lip balm, garden gloves and insect spray. Students under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call HSWCD Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins at 813-477-8332. Email: bjt6890@yahoo.com. The Lower Green Swamp Preserve is at 3540 East Knights Griffin Road, Plant City, FL 33565.