Buena Vista, VA (November 2025) – Buena Vista residents will have an opportunity to take home a free tree this weekend thanks to BV Cool Trees, a collaborative initiative between the City of Buena Vista and Boxerwood. About 100 native trees will be available for pickup on Saturday, November 15, from 100:00 am to 2:00 pm at Magnolia Square (135 W 21st Street).
Trees are available by reservation through the BV Cool Trees website, and any remaining stock will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during the event. Expert volunteers will be on hand to offer planting and care guidance–and can additionally help residents plant their new trees onsite.
Available species include:
- Sweetbay Magnolia
- Red Osier Dogwood (bushy)
- Eastern Redbud
- Crabapple
- Red Maple
- River Birch
- Buttonbush
“This is a great opportunity for residents to add beauty, shade, and habitat to their yards while contributing to a greener Buena Vista,” said Elise Sheffield, Boxerwood Program Director and administrator of the BV Cool Trees project. “Each new tree helps strengthen our city’s urban canopy and builds a healthier, more resilient community.”
Now in its second year, BV Cool Trees is part of a three-year grant-funded initiative administered by Boxerwood and supported by the Virginia Department of Forestry. The project aims to plant more than 250 trees across the city while engaging residents and local students in hands-on learning and stewardship.
Earlier this year, the project celebrated the creation of Buena Vista’s first Tree Board and the City’s inaugural Arbor Day proclamation–important milestones toward earning a Tree City USA designation. Students from Parry McCluer schools have also participated in several planting projects, including new river birches at City Hall and seedlings for the BV tree nursery.
“City leadership is proud to support this partnership,” said Tom Roberts, Director of Community Development for the City of Buena Vista. “It’s inspiring to see residents, students, and volunteers come together to help our community grow.”
Click here to reserve a tree and visit www.bvcooltrees.org to learn more about BV Cool Trees.
For questions please contact Ginny Johnson at ginny@boxerwood.org