Joplin’s Wildcat Glades hosts ‘May the Forest Be with You’ event

JOPLIN, Mo. — Hundreds of folks gathered at a popular Joplin park, all to benefit the environment.

It’s the “May the Forest Be with You” event – which happened at Wildcat Glades in Joplin.

The annual event commemorates Earth Day and Arbor Day by offering a tree giveaway.

Other activities are offered as well – like tree climbing, yard games, and live music.

The theme this year was “Rise of the Natives Versus Attack of the Invasives”.

It’s made possible through a partnership with various organizations – including Joplin Parks and Recreation, Liberty Utilities, and others.

“Trees are very important and Joplin is a Tree City, U.S.A. – and we need to celebrate that. And the trees are important. If you don’t have trees, you don’t have good clean air. Your native animals, they don’t thrive. And we as humans don’t thrive,” said Robin Standridge, Wildcat Glades Friends Group Executive Dir.

This year, 525 trees were given away through the initiative.

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