AUGUSTA, Maine – Sadly, Dutton’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Morrill is planning to close at the end of this year. However, to make the most of the situation, the business is giving over a thousand trees away to the people of Maine. It's a nice gesture, especially considering that they could have tried to sell off their remaining inventory at wholesale.

“This donation will allow organizations throughout Maine to plant trees in public places where they otherwise would not,” Jan Ames Santerre, Project Canopy director, said. “Towns can plant trees to enhance their downtown, streets, parks, and public buildings. Schools can plant them for shade on playgrounds, or to create an educational arboretum. All of the trees, when cared for, will benefit generations to come with their beauty and shade.”

There are 75 different species available and no set limit on the number of trees for each organization.

Project Canopy, the Maine Forest Service’s community tree program, is managing the distribution. Maine Forest Service staff will also pitch in, although towns will be responsible for picking up their own trees. Project Canopy's website has all the details about how municipalities and nonprofits can apply.