Residents across Suffolk County and Long Island, including communities like Mastic Beach, Shirley, and Patchogue, will soon have the opportunity to receive free tree seedlings as part of a countywide environmental initiative.
Suffolk County officials announced they will distribute 2,500 free Red Oak tree seedlings to residents beginning April 24, 2026 (Arbor Day) as part of the “Planting It Forward to 2276” program.
The program encourages residents to plant trees throughout the county to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary while creating a greener future for Long Island communities.
When The Free Tree Giveaway Starts
The free seedling distribution will begin:
📅 April 24, 2026 – Arbor Day
📅 Available through April 30, 2026 or until supplies run out.
Residents can pick up a Red Oak seedling at participating Suffolk County parks during regular park office hours.
Because the program is limited to 2,500 seedlings, residents are encouraged to arrive early.
Where To Get Free Tree Seedlings In Suffolk County
The free trees will be available at the following county parks across Long Island:
- Gardiner County Park – Bay Shore
- Blydenburgh County Park – Smithtown
- Sears Bellows County Park – Hampton Bays
- Southaven County Park – Brookhaven
- West Sayville County Park
- West Hills County Park – Huntington
- Lake Ronkonkoma County Park
- Timber Point County Park – Oakdale
- Bergen Point County Park – West Babylon
- Indian Island County Park – Riverhead
These locations allow residents from Mastic Beach and surrounding Brookhaven communities to easily participate in the program.
Register Your Tree In Suffolk’s Living Legacy Tree Registry
Residents who plant a tree during the initiative can also participate in the Suffolk 250 Living Legacy Tree Registry.
Trees planted between April 24 and July 4, 2026 can be registered online by submitting the tree’s location and details.
Participants who register their tree will receive a Suffolk 250 Living Legacy Certificate, documenting their contribution to the county’s environmental legacy.
Why Tree Planting Matters On Long Island
Tree planting programs help improve the environment and strengthen local communities across Suffolk County and Long Island.
Benefits of planting trees include:
- Improved air quality
- Increased shade and cooling
- Stormwater runoff reduction
- Wildlife habitat support
- Beautification of neighborhoods
Programs like this help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy greener communities throughout Brookhaven Town and the South Shore of Long Island.
Final Thoughts
For residents of Mastic Beach and surrounding Long Island communities, this free tree giveaway offers a simple way to take part in a historic national milestone while improving the local environment.
With thousands of trees expected to be planted across Suffolk County, the Planting It Forward initiative aims to create a living legacy that will grow for generations.
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