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Dentist's Tree Giveaway Grows To 4,000

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The Suncoast News

Published: December 3, 2007

Updated: 12/02/2007 09:34 pm

NEW PORT RICHEY - A dentist's efforts to help residents go green is branching out: 4,000 seedlings - double last year's total - will be given away this week.

Garland Forbes said he believes in the importance of replenishing and preserving trees. This is the third year the endodontist has participated in the Plant 1,000 Trees Before You Die program coordinated through the Florida Department of Agriculture.

At first, Forbes gave trees just to fellow dentists. Then the root canal specialist began distributing seedlings to the public.

This year, the New Port Richey Public Library has joined the initiative. Free trees will be passed out from noon until 4 p.m. Friday - while supplies last - outside the brick building at 5939 Main St. The first-generation longleaf pines will measure 10 to 16 inches.

The library also will hold a 2 p.m. public ceremony that day. Invited dignitaries include U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, Pasco County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand, New Port Richey Mayor Dan Tipton and Councilwoman Marilynn deChant. Michelle Kay, a reporter with Bay News 9, will be the emcee.

The tree giveaway dovetails with a global warming display the city library is putting up this week.

"The library has already gone green in its upstairs meeting rooms, so it's only fitting that we are a part of this project, too," director Susan Dillinger said in a news release.

After Friday's event, another 1,000 trees will be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay as a commemorative project that youngsters and their mentors can do together.

Distribution to area dentists is scheduled for the week of Dec. 10.

For information, go online to www.forbesendo.com.

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