Planting a greener future: MTSU to co-host Nov. 18 ‘plant a bigger tree’ event

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Energy and Sustainability is teaming up with the nonprofit Green Interchange to help Tennesseans plant for a cleaner, healthier future.

Kristin England, sustainability manager, MTSU Center for Energy and Sustainability — Kristin England

The online sale for “Plant a Bigger Tree for Tennessee” runs now through Monday, Nov. 17, with pickup from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, on campus at the Tennessee Livestock Center, Barn B, 1720 Greenland Drive.

“We’re excited for this first-time partnership with Green Interchange,” said Kristin England, the sustainability manager for the Center for Energy and Sustainability. “Their mission aligns with MTSU’s stewardship to foster a greener campus.”

The event is open to the community and provides easy on-campus access. Participants can purchase a tree online in advance for $35 to $45 and then pick it up at the MTSU event. To order, visit bit.ly/3JzpYKN.

“When you plant a tree in your yard, you’re helping create a cleaner, greener Tennessee for everyone,” said John McFadden, CEO of Green Interchange. “These bigger, established trees grow faster and give back to our communities through shade, beauty, and cleaner air.”

Native-grown trees offered in the sale are potted, one-inch caliper and ready to plant this fall, said Callahan Marsh, marketing and development manager for Green Interchange. Varieties include river birch, flowering dogwood, Eastern redbud and red maple — all well-suited to the state’s landscape and climate, she added.

“Flowering trees like dogwoods and redbuds don’t just brighten your yard — they help restore Tennessee’s natural beauty,” Marsh said. “And all the trees have been locally grown to thrive in Tennessee soil and climate, so you can plant with confidence, knowing your new tree will make a lasting impact.”

A flowering dogwood is located in front of Wiser-Patten Science Building on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This species of tree will be available to purchase as part of the Green Interchange "Plant a Bigger Tree" initiative. (MTSU file photo) — A flowering dogwood is located in front of Wiser-Patten Science Building on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This species of tree will be available to purchase as part of the Green Interchange “Plant a Bigger Tree” initiative. (MTSU file photo)

In addition to the tree sale, free bare-root saplings will also be available. There is no need to preorder those.

A red maple is located in front of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This species of tree will be available to purchase as part of the Green Interchange "Plant a Bigger Tree" initiative. (MTSU file photo) — ***A red maple is located in front of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU file photo)***

“Regardless of the size, every tree planted through this program brings us closer to a healthier, more vibrant Tennessee,” Marsh said.

Green Interchange is a Tennessee-based environmental organization offering residents the opportunity to purchase and pick up potted native trees that can provide an immediate boost of shade, beauty and wildlife habitat to yards and community spaces.

MTSU’s tree sale supports Green Interchange’s statewide mission to restore Tennessee’s natural beauty and improve air and water quality.

Participants are encouraged to order trees online in advance and select Murfreesboro as their pickup location. Trees must be picked up during the Nov. 18 event; shipping is not available.

For more information on Green Interchange, visit greeninterchange.org. To learn more about MTSU’s green initiatives, visit the Center for Energy and Sustainability at ces.mtsu.edu.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)