Oklahoma City residents can pick up free trees and celebrate community, sustainability and remembrance at the third annual Mitchell’s Shade for Everyone Community Tree Giveaway on Saturday, April 11. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage in Scissortail Park, w ith trees available while supplies last. Mitchell’s Shade Tree Giveaway at Scissortail Park. Founded by the Burns family in honor of their son, John Mitchell Burns, the initiative reflects his passion for green spaces and civic involvement. As a high school junior, Mitchell worked with city leaders through the Youth Leadership Exchange program on early efforts tied to Scissortail Park’s development. His family created the giveaway to bring people together, honor loved ones and invest in the environment. Since launching, the program has distributed nearly 2,000 trees to individuals and organizations across the region. Organizers have tracked 195 planting locations across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Colorado, demonstrating the program’s growing reach and long-term impact. Mitchell’s Shade Tree Giveaway at Scissortail Park. In addition to the public giveaway, schools, nonprofits, neighborhood associations and other groups can apply in advance to receive up to 10 free trees for local projects. Applications are due April 6, with selected groups notified ahead of the event for pickup instructions. The effort is supported by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation through the Mitchell’s Shade Endowment Fund, helping sustain tree distribution, planting initiatives and educational outreach focused on building a greener, healthier urban environment. Available tree species this year include redbud, vitex, Shumard oak, southern magnolia, loblolly pine, crape myrtle, bald cypress, weeping willow and lacebark elm. For more information or to apply, visit mitchellsshade.com The post Mitchell’s Shade for Everyone tree giveaway returns April 11 appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less