A local organization is helping to add more of a tree canopy to the community.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis Club is offering free trees to residents of the city.

“This is made possible through a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Phil Gorman, treasurer of Kiwanis, said.  “Sixty trees will be purchased and planted by the club in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, and the City of Fort Scott.”

“FSCC,  and the high school, we are going to use some of their organizations for labor to help us get the trees in the ground,” Gorman said.

“The city helped us with the grant and they will help dig the holes and also help with logistics of where the trees will be planted,” he said.

Two large-growing tree varieties are being offered,  Swamp White Oak and Shumard Oak.

To be considered for trees contact the City of Fort Scott at 620.223-0550, by April 4. Trees will be planted sometime in April.

For safety, the group won’t plant trees in the way of high lines or on street corners, Gorman said.

The Kiwanis tree planting program has been done for many years, Gorman said.

“Some street trees all around the city were planted by Kiwanis years ago,” he said. “I’d say in the thousands.”

The group is rejuvenating the program and hopes to make it an annual event.

About Kiwanis

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community, at a time.

They meet each Tuesday at noon at the Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford.

“There are currently 35 members,” Gorman said. “We are always open to new members.”