GULF SHORES, Ala. — Trees make a world of difference, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. This weekend, both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach residents can help with making a difference.

On Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., residents can take part in a national effort to nurture the local environment. In Gulf Shores, 700 potted trees will be passed out at the Gulf Shores Kids Park Picnic Pavilion. Proof of residency is needed.

Chinese Fringe, Dogwood, Red Bud, Japanese maple, Vitex-Chastetree, Red Maple and Weeping Willow are all types of trees to be provided.

Rodney Powell, board member of the Beautification Board, said the Master Gardeners, Garden Club members and city landscaper Cliff Collings will be on site to offer information on planting and caring for each tree.

“Over the years, the hurricanes have taken down trees and we just keep trying to replenish them,” Powell said.

But it’s not just hurricanes that cause damage to flora. Last year on Arbor Day the city of Prattville experienced a devastating tornado. This year, with the hope to plant 1,000 trees for Arbor Day, Prattville enlisted the help of surrounding municipalities. Residents and employees of Gulf Shores made the trip north to help.

Gulf Shores has been designated as a Tree City for 22 years and has received the Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for eight years.

Orange Beach, which has been a Tree City for 10 years, will also do its part to fill land with greenery.

Residents can pick up tree seedlings at the Community Development building at City Hall on Saturday also. From 8 to 10 a.m., more than 1,000 bare root seedlings will be passed out.

The city will provide Green Ash, Live Oak, Sawtooth Oak, Riverburch, Bald Cypress, Overcup Oak.

“They are all trees that will flourish in this area,” Larry Ellis, natural resources manager, said.

A Baldwin County Forester will be on site to offer advice and answer questions about the trees. On Friday the city will visit Orange Beach Elementary School and pass out seedlings to the students. The kids are educated about Arbor Day and the importance of being environmentally friendly.