Cook County offers free tree seedlings as part of Earth Day

Northwest suburban residents can get a free tree seedling native to the area next week at Cook County Forest Preserve Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations.

The Crabtree Nature Preserve at 3 Stover Road in Barrington will also have craft activities and allow visitors to plant seeds in addition to the ones they take home with them. It's all scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18 and 19.

While Earth Day is on April 22, a weekday, and Arbor Day is April 24, a Friday, the forest preserve is holding its activities on a weekend in hopes families can attend. The Crabtree Nature Center can be reached at 847-381-6592.

Those interested in being a bit more giving than receiving on Earth Day can volunteer for forest preserve preservation work or a cleanup by calling the Volunteer Resource Center at 773-631-1790 for details or by visiting www.fpdccvolunteers.org.