Each year, Vaughan-Bassett and Belfort furniture companies “purchase” thousands of seedlings from VDOF, to offset the trees used in their furniture manufacturing. These seedlings are then made available free for public education/planting projects, beginning in January. Species include loblolly, shortleaf, and white pines, and mixed hardwoods. Examples of past projects include plantings at schools, parks, and community sites, and seedling giveaways for youth or the general public as part of an educational program or public event. If you have a project in mind, your point of contact is your local VDOF forester. Check http://dof.virginia.gov/locations/index.htm to find yours. Reserve your seedlings early, as these usually run out by spring. Happy planting!