NATCHEZ — Area residents will get a chance this week to plant a piece of Natchez Tricentennial history.

Duncan Park Golf Course Superintendent Greg Brooking has donated 300 live oaks to be planted throughout the community in honor of the city’s 300th birthday this year.

“I was thinking about different things we could do to honor the tricentennial, and I just thought this was a grand way to do it — plant 300 live oaks that will be here for another 300 years,” Brooking said.

The live oak seedlings will be given away to residents at the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Arbor Day tree sale Friday, along with 300 pine seedlings Brooking also donated. The soil and water conservation district will also be giving away free loblolly pine seedlings.

Brooking said he envisions the tree-planting project as a family bonding and educational experience for locals.

“I’m hoping that parents and children can plant trees, and they can learn how and where to plant, and it can be something that those children come back to in 25 years or so and see,” Brooking said.

Brooking is partnering with the Mississippi State University Extension Service office in Adams County to help distribute the trees and providing education on how and where to plant the seedlings.

Extension service agent and Adams County Supervisor David Carter said the tree project is a great way to commemorate the tricentennial.

“We’ve been in the schools this week teaching the kids about trees, and that’s one of the things that makes our area so special — our nature, wildlife and trees. We have a lot of trees around here that are about 300 years old, and we need to provide for the next generation what previous generations have provided for us.”

The extension service will have a space at the tree sale where residents can pick up live oak and pine seedlings, as well as receive information about caring for the trees.

The tree sale will be from 7 a.m. until noon at the USDA Service Center at 110 Northgate Road in Natchez.

Anyone with questions or seeking more information can contact Carter at 601-445-8201.