Can 24/7 carbon-free energy become a global standard? - Canary Media

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Can 24/7 carbon-free energy become a global standard?  Canary Media
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Why 'free' shipping isn’t free - CNBC

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The big carriers such as FedEx, UPS and Amazon make lots of deliveries, and none of those packages are being shipped for "free."

"People like free shipping because the word free is very powerful, even if people know that it's not really free because someone is paying for it," Kara Buntin, owner of the Etsy shop A Cake To Remember, told CNBC.

There were more than 131 billion parcels shipped worldwide in 2020, and parcel shipments are expected to double again in the next five years — possibly reaching 266 billion by 2026 — according to Pitney Bowes.

"When consumers click that 'buy' box, they often don't see [the] labor that leads to a box on their doorstep," Ellen Reese, a sociology professor at UC Riverside and co-editor of "The Cost of Free Shipping: Amazon in the Global Economy," told CNBC.

And those shipping costs are ever-increasing.

"Anyone can offer an Amazon Prime two-day shipping. It's just the cost that...might incur in providing that service," Dhruv Saxena, co-founder of third-party logistics company ShipBob, told CNBC. He estimates it may cost a company anywhere from $25 to $35 for a typical two-day shipping rate.

Companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and even Etsy benefit from economies of scale because they generate mass online sales. This puts them at an advantage to achieve bulk discount rates, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

When CNBC asked the Postal Service for information about how much money Amazon, Walmart and Target pay the Service to ship packages, the department said no contracts exist, but "there may be possibly an agreement in place with negotiated rates to deliver packages. However, we cannot confirm nor deny an agreement exists."

This is due to federal regulations dictating acknowledgment the existence of a specific national service agreement "would cause harm and is confidential commercial information that would not be disclosed under good business practice," the Postal Service said.

Amazon, FedEx and UPS either declined or could not be reached for comment for this story.

"Many [small businesses] have been under pressure, shutting down and closing because they can't compete, "Jake Alimahomed-Wilson, a sociology professor at California State University Long Beach and co-editor of "The Cost of Free Shipping: Amazon in the Global Economy," told CNBC.

In a 2019 survey, three-quarters of independent retailers said Amazon's dominance is a major threat to their survival, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

"You can't really plan for how much [carriers] are going to charge or how much [packages] are going to cost when you ship them, and that makes it difficult to offer free shipping because a lot of times you end up with no profit if you're not really careful," Buntin said.

Watch the video above to learn why free shipping is a myth, what it really costs companies to send parcels around the country and how it impacts consumer sentiment.

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Regen Ag 101's' virtual learning course now free to FFA advisors, vo-ag instructors - The Fence Post

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Vocational agriculture instructors and FFA advisors for grades 7-12 will be provided free access to the regenerative agriculture online course, Regen Ag 101, the non-profit Soil Health Academy announced today, March 29.

Thanks to a grant from global food company General Mills, SHA is providing the course on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Most of SHA’s educational efforts in the past have been focused on helping farmers transition from conventional to soil health-improving regenerative practices,” SHA President Dawn Breitkreutz said. “By providing vo-ag instructors and FFA advisors with Regen Ag 101’s soil health educational resources, we hope to have an early and positive regenerative influence on the next generation of farmers.”

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An online, self-paced, interactive media experience, Regen Ag 101 contains video lectures, case studies and supporting research gleaned from the best of Soil Health Academy live workshops across the U.S.

“The online course provides a comprehensive look at how regenerative agricultural principles and practices affect ecosystem function, the nutrient density of food and other wide-ranging benefits,” said Shane New, a managing partner with the Soil Health Academy’s education partner Understanding Ag, LLC. New is also a co-creator of the Regen Ag 101 course.

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“As a former FFA member, I appreciate the role FFA advisors and vo-ag instructors play in establishing an educational foundation for our future farmers,” New said. “This grant provides a tremendous opportunity for these middle school and high school ag educators to gain deeper insights into soil health-focused regenerative principles and practices.”

In addition, General Mills is providing scholarship funding for middle and high school ag educators to attend, tuition free, one of SHA’s three-day, on-farm schools in 2022 — also offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag remain key partners in our efforts to educate and support farmers as they adopt regenerative agricultural principles,” said Mary Jane Melendez, chief sustainability and global impact officer, General Mills. “In addition to our ongoing, on-farm regenerative ag work with the Soil Health Academy and Understanding Ag, these education grants represent an opportunity to inform and inspire ag educators and students about the hope in healthy soil — and to establish an educational foundation to grow the next generation of successful regenerative farmers and ranchers.”

Ag educators and advisors interested in registering for the free on-line course or in attending a three-day SHA school tuition free, can visit SoilHealthAcademy.org.

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Got a 'Free Msg' Spam Text From Yourself? Don't Click on the Link - CNET

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If you're a Verizon customer who's been getting mysterious spam text messages that look like they come from your own phone number, you're not alone. Multiple Verizon customers have reported receiving similar messages this week, in which they're encouraged to click an obscure link to receive a gift. The carrier says it's working with police to stop the texts.

"Verizon is aware that bad actors are sending spam text messages to some customers which appear to come from the customers' own number," a Verizon representative said in an emailed statement. "Our team is actively working to block these messages, and we have engaged with US law enforcement to identify and stop the source of this fraudulent activity."

A relative of a CNET team member got a text that matched the description of similar messages that were received by other Verizon customers and have been called out in social media and news reports. "Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March," the message said. "Thanks, here's a little gift for you." The message included a cryptic link that made it impossible to know what it was about.

This spam text message was received by the relative of a CNET team member. The message looked as if it came from the person's own phone number.

Chris Paukert/CNET

In some cases, the links in these texts direct people to what looks like a prompt to take a Verizon customer survey. "Dear Verizon customer, we would like to personally thank you for always paying your Verizon bills on time by giving you a Free Apple Watch Series7!" the message says. "All we ask from you is to answer a few quick questions about your recent experiences with Verizon's services." The message ends with a link to take the survey, encouraging the recipient to take it as soon as possible because "this exciting offer is only available today."

The uptick in spam messages that mobile phone users are receiving comes after the US government doubled down on its fight against robocalls. Last year, the US Federal Communications Commission mandated that phone and cable companies implement a technology called Stir/Shaken that's designed to curb the tide of spam calls by requiring voice providers to verify where calls are coming from. The move has, however, led criminals to explore other avenues to keep trying to scam mobile phone users.

"Stir/Shaken has shut down one avenue," Clayton LiaBraaten, senior advisory board member at Truecaller, which makes a spam-blocking and caller ID app, told CNET in December. "But it's making already very capable criminals even more sophisticated and sinister in their scams."

A Verizon customer who received a spam message almost identical to the one received by the CNET employee's relative posted about it in December on the Verizon Community blog, wondering if the message and link were some sort of phishing attempt. "We cannot confirm it is a valid link" a Verizon customer support representative said in a reply to the post. "We recommend not pressing on it."

Spam texts like these are one of many forms of phishing, where hackers make use of human error to gain access to sensitive information, typically by preying on gaps in a victim's tech savvy. Instead of a brute force attack, the cybercriminal poses as a legitimate organization or a familiar face -- in this case texts from a victim's own phone number -- and issues a call to action that sounds either fun or urgent (which gives victims little time to think twice). Hackers can use a technique called "spoofing" to disguise their identity by deliberately falsifying the information transmitted to your caller ID display.

After you're lured into a false sense of security and take the bait, the phisher nets your sensitive information. Phishing attempts aren't exclusive to mobile phones. They can be disguised as quizzes or questionnaires on social media, too, with questions designed to trick you into revealing info you might use to verify your accounts.

If you receive a mysterious text message encouraging you to click on a link, verify the origin of the message before taking any further action, even if the contact seems legitimate -- including your own phone number. 

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US rights group calls for ‘free and fair’ elections in Bahrain - Al Jazeera English

Bahraini-American rights organisation says Gulf country is heading towards another ‘sham’ vote in November.

A Bahraini-American rights group has called on Bahrain to release political prisoners and allow independent monitors to observe the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections in order to avoid a repeat of what it called a “sham” vote in 2018.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) also urged Manama to remove restrictions on freedom of expression and refrain from imposing political conditions on who can run in the November elections.

“Conditions in Bahrain at the present time make free and fair elections impossible,” Husain Abdulla, the group’s executive director, said in the statement.

“Unless conditions improve quickly, the 2022 elections will again be a sham perpetrated by the Government of Bahrain on the Bahraini people and any facade of democracy in Bahrain will end.”

The call came two weeks after US President Joe Biden signed into law a funding bill that was accompanied by a statement (PDF) calling on the Department of State to produce a report detailing US “efforts made on behalf of political prisoners in Bahrain and the Government of Bahrain’s response”.

“The congressionally-mandated report is part of a larger effort to encourage the US State Department and other leading democracies to live up to the promises and rhetoric of the Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy and to put pressure on anti-democratic regimes like the Government of Bahrain,” said Abdulla.

“If the 2022 elections are as unfair as the 2018 elections, the US must begin to pivot away from Bahrain and seek out partners in the Middle East who share US values.”

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy in which the king acts as head of state and parliament enjoys limited legislative powers. Elections are held every four years to determine the 40-member Council of Representatives – the lower chamber of parliament. Forty members of the Shura Council, the other legislative body, are appointed by royal decree.

Activists and members of banned opposition parties had boycotted the 2018 election, dismissing it as a “farce”. Amnesty International warned before the last election in Bahrain that “political opposition has been effectively suppressed over the course of the past two years, with a disproportionate impact on Shia political, civic and religious leaders”.

In its most recent report on human rights globally, the Department of State last year documented “significant” rights issues in Bahrain, including torture, arbitrary detention, political prisoners, restrictions on freedom of expression, and substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

Still, despite its promise to centre human rights in US foreign policy, the Biden administration has not pressured Bahrain – at least publicly – to improve its human rights record.

US officials have heaped praise on the Bahraini government and other Arab countries that normalised relations with Israel.

During a visit to Israel in the past week, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken jointly met Israeli officials and top diplomats from countries that had normalised relations with Israel.

“We are fully committed to expanding cooperation through the Abraham Accords, and building on the remarkable progress that Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Morocco have made in such a short period of time,” Blinken said on Sunday.

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2022 NFL Draft: Examining the most pressing needs for every NFC team after free agency moves - CBS Sports

Getty's Chris Williams

The NFC owns 18 picks in the first round, which will bring an infusion of young talent and address some pressing needs that remained after free agency. Here are the most pressing draft needs for each team in the NFC: 

49ers: Offensive guard

Laken Tomlinson departed in free agency and Daniel Brunskill did not grade out well last year. In addition, they lost assistant offensive line coaches Butch Barry and Zach Yenser. It is not easy finding an immediate starter along the offensive line without a first-round pick, but that is probably the route San Francisco needs to take. 

Bears: Wide receiver

There are several needs on Chicago's roster, so the intent should be to surround Justin Fields with the talent necessary for him to have success. The offensive line would be the top priority, but it is more difficult to find those solutions through the draft if the team does not have a first-round pick. General manager Ryan Poles has already signed free agent Lucas Patrick, and the hope is that Teven Jenkins is more capable of contributing in 2022. It is more likely that Chicago can find a wide receiver capable of helping Fields on Day 2. As it stands, his top three options are Byron Pringle, Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. 

Tampa Bay lost Ali Marpet to retirement and Alex Cappa to free agency. It acquired Shaq Mason in a trade with New England, but the other position is open unless it plans to empower Robert Hainsey. It would not be a surprise to see the team address the wide receiver or defensive line positions early, either. The Buccaneers have a viable option for essentially every role, so their needs are more of a conversation of luxury.

Any Cardinals conversation has been overshadowed by the demands of Kyler Murray and whether or not the franchise will be willing to meet those demands. However, after taking a few shots at the position over the past three years, it is time for Arizona to sink some serious assets into the position. 

Believe me, quarterback was a temptation. Fans are tired of hearing about it, though. The coaching staff will probably give more time to those young linebackers, so cornerback could be in focus. The contract given to William Jackson last year was clearly above value as he is on pace to be a roster cut next year. There is no harm in harboring depth, and they should be able to walk away with a starter through the draft.

Cowboys: Defensive tackle

It would not be shocking if Dallas took another wide receiver early after Amari Cooper was traded, Cedrick Wilson left in free agency and Michael Gallup is returning from injury. There is an acceptable plan in place with CeeDee Lamb and Gallup, though. Defensive tackle is the more concerning position on the roster. They have bodies but no impact players. In a more general sense, they need help up the middle. Linebacker is a position that could be upgraded as well. Micah Parsons is fantastic but his strength is not necessarily fitting the A gap. A Nakobe Dean from Georgia would be a great fit for Dallas.

No team is in a better position to address needs current and future than the Eagles. They have three first-round selections. A case could be made for wide receiver, cornerback or safety. There is a sense that general manager Howie Roseman may not be done adding to those positions, specifically the secondary, through free agency. With that being said, linebacker is the answer. It is time for Philadelphia to add a reliable linebacker to the roster. 

Falcons: Wide receiver

There are a number of positions that could be listed here, including quarterback. Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota in free agency to replace Matt Ryan, but he has little to throw to beyond Kyle Pitts. Calvin Ridley is serving a suspension and Russell Gage signed with the rival Buccaneers in free agency. Olamide Zaccheaus is the most recognizable returning wide receiver. The Falcons hold the No. 8 overall selection. 

Giants: Right tackle

New York fans have seen enough of Matt Peart at right tackle. The team holds two picks in the top seven, and many draft prognosticators have associated top offensive tackle prospects with the Giants. One would assume the team's preferred outcome would be Alabama's Evan Neal considering his past playing the right tackle position. 

Lions: Linebacker

Detroit needs help up the middle on defense. Defensive tackle and linebacker are both concerns. It has some promising edge rushers, but the rest of that defense is up in the air. Fortunately, the team is equipped with the No. 2, No. 32 and No. 34 overall selections. Draft picks do not matter unless good players come of them, but the Lions have more chances to get it right.

Packers: Wide receiver

Following the trade of Davante Adams, Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard are the only wide receivers on the roster who played more than 150 snaps last season. Armed with additional picks in the first and second rounds, Green Bay has plenty of opportunities to take at least one wide receiver during the 2022 NFL Draft. There is some uncertainty along the offensive line as well. 

Taylor Moton has been one of the better offensive tackle prospects in the NFL in recent years, but left tackle has been a huge concern. The team handpicked Brady Christensen last year, but he does not seem like the answer. Carolina has been active in its pursuit of an upgrade at the quarterback position, but that player is going to be hard pressed to find success without competency along the offensive line.

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Rams: Edge rusher

Edge rusher, linebacker and cornerback are the three positions that stand out as being of need for Los Angeles. The Rams were aggressive in trading for Von Miller last year and had hoped he would return for the upcoming season. When he signed with the Bills, it created a need at the position. 

Saints: Wide receiver

Unless there is newfound faith in Deonte Harris, Marquez Callaway and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, New Orleans is placing a lot of confidence in Michael Thomas, who played zero snaps in 2021. No quarterback was going to get a lot of assistance from that position group. They are in a position to get a good wide receiver at No. 18 overall. 

Seattle is in a position where it could add a good player at the quarterback position without giving up much in return. Baker Mayfield may never be that top 10 quarterback who is able to overcome circumstance, but he is good enough to get a capable team to the playoffs. Drew Lock is not the answer in the short or long term. Seahawks personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith had been in Cleveland when Mayfield was taken No. 1 overall. 

No quarterback is going to be successful unless the talent level along the offensive line is elevated. They were a very bad unit last year and Duane Brown remains unsigned, so it has only gotten worse this offseason. Speaking in hyperbole a bit, the team may need to use every draft pick on that front.

Edge rusher and cornerback were believed to be the two biggest areas of need for Minnesota in the draft. At the time, there was discussion that the Vikings may release or trade Danielle Hunter. Instead, they signed Za'Darius Smith. Those moves have transferred focus to the cornerback position where -- despite drafting four cornerbacks in the first round since 2013 -- the team lacks reason for excitement. 

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Ranking every NFC team after first wave of NFL free agency: Rams, Buccaneers class of conference - CBS Sports

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The NFC took a step back this offseason. The star power of quarterbacks transferred over to the AFC, leaving the NFC with Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Matthew Stafford as the premier passers in the conference. Makes sense the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams were conference title contenders. 

Green Bay took a step back with the trade of Davante Adams to the Raiders, while Tampa Bay and Los Angeles held serve despite losing some key contributors on their Super Bowl championship rosters. The Dallas Cowboys also lost key pieces from last year's NFC East title team, no longer amongst the conference's elite. The Arizona Cardinals are in the same boat, as a 4-7 finish with a wild card playoff loss led to the team undergoing a youth movement and departing from key veterans. 

The San Francisco 49ers can't decide who their quarterback is. The Philadelphia Eagles have three first-round draft picks, while the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints have new coaches to get them back to the playoffs. The Washington Commanders have Carson Wentz, for what it's worth. 

Unpredictability reigns in the NFC, as the second tier of playoff contenders seeks to compete with the Rams and Buccaneers for the conference title. This isn't a projected order of finish, but how their rosters stack up at making a conference title run after the first wave of free agency. 

1. Los Angeles Rams

Key additions: WR Allen Robinson

The defending Super Bowl champions already had a talented roster, but losing players from the title team was inevitable. The biggest loss was Von Miller to the Bills, creating a void in the pass rush (Miller and Aaron Donald were the best pass rushing duo in the league since the Rams acquired him). Los Angeles couldn't afford to keep Darious Williams, taking a chance on 2021 fourth-round pick Robert Rochell to replace him at cornerback. 

Los Angeles deserves credit for keeping Matthew Stafford in the fold and improving the wide receiver group with the addition of Allen Robinson. Stafford is easily the best quarterback Robinson has ever played with, and he should create serious damage in the passing game with Cooper Kupp lined up with him. The Rams finding a way to re-sign left tackle Joseph Noteboom and center Brian Allen is huge for the continuity of the offensive line, a vastly underrated unit on last year's title team. 

The Rams are the best team in the NFC at this stage of the game. Their biggest challenge in 2022 is their daunting division. 

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key additions: WR Russell Gage, G Shaq Mason, CB Logan Ryan

The Buccaneers won the offseason the second Tom Brady announced his return, pulling himself out of retirement and instantly making Tampa Bay Super Bowl contenders. Brady's return sparked Chris Godwin to sign an extension with the Buccaneers and added Gage to the fold while Godwin recovers from an ACL injury. Tampa Bay has one of the best wide receiver trios in the league with Godwin, Gage, and Mike Evans. Now, the Buccaneers have to convince Rob Gronkowski to return. 

Tampa Bay's offensive line will look different with Ali Marpet retiring and Alex Cappa moving to the Bengals, but the Buccaneers added Shaq Mason in a trade and Ryan Jensen re-signed hours before free agency. Brady will be protected in 2022, which will be huge in attempting to dethrone the Rams. 

Adding Ryan at safety replaces the loss of Jordan Whitehead, another boost to the secondary after Carlton Davis signed a three-year extension early in free agency. Tampa Bay will have to address the pass rush as Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh are free agents. Both players are also heading into their mid 30s.

The Buccaneers are the Rams' biggest challenge in the NFC. They can easily get playoff home-field advantage thanks to their division. 

3. San Francisco 49ers

Key additions: CB Charvarius Ward, S George Odum, LB Oren Burks, WR Ray-Ray McCloud 

If only the 49ers had their quarterback situation settled. San Francisco still hasn't traded Jimmy Garoppolo and the biggest question with the franchise is whether Trey Lance is ready to be the starting quarterback in 2022. Besides the Garoppolo-Lance dynamic, the 49ers are talented. 

Laken Tomlinson is the only starter the 49ers lost on offense and Colton McKivitz is in line to replace him at left guard. Outside of that change, the 49ers have Eli Mitchell, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle back in the fold. The offense is going to score points. 

San Francisco addressed the secondary by adding Ward at cornerback, who should be a bargain by the time he reaches the back end of his deal. Odum could take the place of Jaquiski Tartt, who remains unsigned. The 49ers also have Nick Bosa leading one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, vital toward dethroning the Rams in the division. 

The 49ers have more upside with Lance, yet will go through some growing pains with him. Regardless if it's Garoppolo or Lance, San Francisco is a contender for the conference title. 

4. Green Bay Packers

Key additions: DT Jarran Reed

The Packers will always have a Super Bowl opportunity with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, but Green Bay took a massive hit to its roster by signing Rodgers to an extension worth approximately $50.3 million per year. Green Bay received a first and second-round pick for Davante Adams, which wasn't close to the package the Chiefs received for Tyreek Hill. The Packers also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, as Rodgers lost his top two pass catchers on the outside from last season. 

Wide receiver will be a priority in the second wave in free agency and the draft, as Rodgers needs someone other than Allen Lazard and tight end Robert Tonyan to throw to. The offensive line should get a boost with a healthy David Bakhtiari.

Green Bay did a good job retaining De'Vondre Campbell, Preston Smith, and Rasul Douglas on defense -- but had to part ways with Za'Darius Smith as a result of saving salary cap space. The Packers added Reed to bolster the defensive line, but have to add a pass rusher or two high in the draft. 

Keeping Rodgers and retaining key free agents was the offseason plan for Green Bay, and the Packers nearly executed it to perfection. The Adams trade is puzzling with Rodgers returning, hurting their status as Super Bowl contenders. Improving at wide receiver will help Green Bay catch up to the Rams and Buccaneers. 

5. Dallas Cowboys

Key additions: WR James Washington, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr. 

The Cowboys were one of the best teams in the NFC last year, but are much closer to the middle of the pack after handing out large contracts to Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas traded Amari Cooper for pennies on the dollar and re-signed Michael Gallup, making CeeDee Lamb the No. 1 wideout. Lamb is going to live up to that billing, but the loss of Cooper will be massive to the passing game. Ditto for Cedric Wilson, who was underrated throughout most of last year. The Cowboys are hoping Washington fills the void. 

Dallas' offensive line took a major hit with the release of La'El Collins, and Connor Williams departing in free agency. The Cowboys aren't as strong in the trenches on defense either, as Fowler doesn't get to the quarterback as consistently as Randy Gregory -- who backed out on the Cowboys offer for the Broncos. At least Dallas still has Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs on defense, but the Cowboys can't rely on takeaways consistently. 

Still the top team in the NFC East, the gap between Dallas and Philadelphia is much shorter than last season. If the Cowboys were better at handling the salary cap and their preparation for free agency, they'd be a top-three team in the conference. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles

Key additions: EDGE Haason Reddick, LB Kyzir White, WR Zach Pascal 

The Eagles are a better team than the one that took the field in the wild card loss to the Buccaneers, yet the offseason feels a bit underwhelming. Philadelphia needed to find a veteran wide receiver to compliment Jalen Hurts, but the best they could do was Pascal. A wide receiver group of Pascal, DeVonta Smith, and Quez Watkins won't strike fear in defenses -- no matter how good Smith and Watkins can be. Wide receiver will have to be addressed with one of those three first-round picks. 

Philadelphia already has one of the best offensive lines in football and is working that way on the defensive line. Reddick significantly boosts the pass rush, which gets back Brandon Graham after an Achilles injury. Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox are still a force at defensive tackle, even with Cox not as dominant in his early 30s. White is the off-ball linebacker Philadelphia needs, yet the Eagles will still have to address the position in the draft. The secondary outside of Darius Slay is a major concern as well. 

There are still plenty of holes on the Eagles that prevent them from being a contender in the conference, but Philadelphia is a team on the rise. The three first-round picks could get them there quicker. 

7. Arizona Cardinals

Key additions: G Will Hernandez

The Cardinals did a good job at retaining their own free agents, re-signing tight end Zach Ertz and running back James Conner -- two vital pieces to last year's playoff run. Arizona allowed Christian Kirk to walk and may do the same with A.J. Green, so the wide receiver position will look much different behind DeAndre Hopkins. Rondale Moore should have a bigger role in the passing game.

The defense takes a massive hit with Chandler Jones departing to the Raiders and releasing Jordan Hicks so Zaven Collins could start at inside linebacker. Arizona is undergoing a youth movement on that side of the ball. The Cardinals didn't revamp at cornerback yet, a position that needs to be addressed in the second wave of free agency and the draft. 

Then there's the Kyler Murray contract situation. Will that be resolved before the season starts? Arizona is good enough to contend in the NFC, but has to take the next step and win a playoff game. This roster is far from a finished product.

8. Minnesota Vikings

Key additions: EDGE Za'Darius Smith, LB Jordan Hicks, DT Harrison Phillips

The Vikings are set at the skill positions with Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen -- yet the Kirk Cousins love affair remains a conundrum. Minnesota signed Cousins to an extension this offseason, keeping him with the Vikings for at least two more seasons. The Vikings could do better than Cousins, but they can do so much worse too.

Minnesota's defense was the unit in need of a revamp, getting that opportunity with new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. Smith is a major boost to a pass rush that is getting Danielle Hunter back from injury, which will be vital to the success of the unit. Hicks is an underrated signing at linebacker, as he'll be paired with Eric Kendricks on the inside. 

The secondary still needs work outside of Harrison Smith, but Chandon Sullivan signing to play the slot is an underrated move. The Vikings are better, yet it's hard to get a grasp on where they stack up in the conference. 

If the Vikings are going to make the playoffs, the defense has to be better than a bottom five unit. Having Kevin O'Connell as head coach should help the offense improve from mediocracy, even with a subpar offensive line. 

9. New Orleans Saints

Key additions: S Marcus Maye, S Daniel Sorensen 

The Saints are one of the toughest teams to read in the entire NFL. They tried to make a splash in free agency by acquiring Deshaun Watson to be their next franchise quarterback, but are running it back with Jameis Winston (who played well prior to going down with a torn ACL). Getting Michael Thomas back at wide receiver will be huge for New Orleans and will free up Marquez Callaway on the other side.

Losing Terron Armstead is a blow to the offensive line, but the unit is still good. The Saints are going to be intriguing if Winston is healthy for a full season, or if he'll have the same mobility less than a year after ACL surgery. New Orleans still has many starters back on its top-five defense, but Marcus Williams is a big loss. Maye is an adequate replacement with the little free agent money New Orleans had to make a move. 

With no Sean Payton coaching New Orleans, will this team take a step down with Dennis Allen at the helm? There's plenty of talent to make the playoffs in New Orleans, but there are a lot of questions with the coaching staff and the offense at this point. 

10. Washington Commanders

Key additions: QB Carson Wentz, LG Andrew Norwell

The Commanders were plagued by Ryan Fitzpatrick going down in Week 1 of last season, though Taylor Heinicke kept them competitive as long as he could. Washington addressed the quarterback position by taking a chance on Wentz, who is coming off two ugly fallouts in the last two years with the Eagles and Colts. 

Does Wentz make this team any better? The statistics show Washington improved at quarterback, yet inconsistent play and a lack of leadership qualities have affected Wentz in recent years -- specifically his ability to maximize his talent. The Commanders lose a key piece on the offensive line with Brandon Scherff leaving in free agency, but signed Andrew Norwell to play left guard while Wes Schweitzer will replace Scherff at right guard. Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas should benefit under Wentz. The Commanders still need more pass catchers to make the offense more balanced. 

Washington's defense was underwhelming last year, even though the defensive line is still dangerous with Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, and Montez Sweat. This unit thrives on those four getting to the quarterback, needed given the state at linebacker and cornerback. 

There's potential in Washington, but they're stuck in the middle of the pack until the defense improves. This is also Wentz's last opportunity to prove he can start. 

Key additions: G Austin Corbett, S Xavier Woods, P Johnny Hekker, DT Matt Ioannidis, LB Damien Wilson, C Bradley Bozeman, WR Rashard Higgins

Another team that struck out on Deshaun Watson, the Panthers currently have Sam Darnold at quarterback. Darnold had a solid start to the year before Christian McCaffrey went down, then was rotating at quarterback with Cam Newton when he came back from injury. Carolina has talent at wide receiver with D.J. Moore, Terrace Marshall, and Robby Anderson, yet none of the three could live up to their potential thanks to the play of Darnold and Newton. 

Losing Reddick to the Eagles was a significant blow to the pass rush, but retaining Jackson was vital to the fourth-ranked pass defense in 2021. Carolina did finish with the No. 2 overall defense last season in yards allowed, a unit that will have to be relied upon to carry this team in a weak NFC South. Ioannidis is one of the best signings of free agency based on his value in the interior of the defensive line. 

Until Carolina gets a better option at quarterback, the Panthers are on the outside looking in. The Panthers are good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but having Darnold in a make-or-break year for head coach Matt Rhule is underwhelming. 

Key additions: EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, DT Quinton Jefferson, C Austin Blythe, QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DT Shelby Harris

Trading Russell Wilson turned the Seahawks from a conference title contender (they were always in the mix with Wilson) to the bottom of the pack in the NFC. Seattle is another team in this conference that has talent, yet going with Lock at quarterback will be a head-scratching move for a team that has DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at wide receiver. Re-signing Rashaad Penny was also a good move for the Seahawks offense in the post-Wilson era. 

Seattle still hasn't found long-term answers at either tackle position, as Duane Brown and Brandon Shell remain unsigned. Lock isn't as mobile as Wilson, which could turn the offense into a disaster. Releasing Bobby Wagner didn't help the mood in Seattle either, leaving a massive void at a linebacker group that wasn't strong to begin with. 

Getting Quandre Diggs to return was huge for a secondary that needs playmakers, a unit hindered by Jamal Adams' monster contract. Seattle's defense has a whole is in flux, from the pass rush to cornerback. Bringing back Rasheem Green would help the pass rush, yet the Seahawks don't appear pressed to make a move there yet. 

Seattle could be a tough watch in 2022, even though this team can still be competitive with a good draft. Improving at quarterback would be a start. 

Key additions: WR D.J. Chark, CB Mike Hughes, LB Jarrad Davis

The Lions are still in a rebuild as Dan Campbell heads into year two as their head coach, but they made sure quarterback Jared Goff had better pass catchers to throw to. Chark was the big offseason signing, agreeing to a one year "prove it" deal in Detroit as he becomes the outside compliment to the emerging Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions also re-signed Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond, two receivers that helped out the passing game down the stretch last year.

Goff remains as the starting quarterback, and he'll be protected by one of the better young offensive lines in football. This will be Goff's first year in Ben Johnson's system, but he will have plenty of protection and reliable targets in the passing game. T.J. Hockenson and D'Andre Swift will also be healthy. 

Re-signing Charles Harris and Tracy Walker was important to the Lions defense, which is still waiting for Jeff Okudah to live up to his top-five draft pick status. Hughes will help the secondary as a slot cornerback. 

In a weak NFC North, don't be surprised if the Lions make big gains in 2022. 

Key additions: WR Byron Pringle, DT Justin Jones, G Lucas Patrick, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad

The Bears decided to enter a rebuild in Matt Eberflus' first season as head coach, not exactly the news Justin Fields wanted to hear. Allen Robinson departed in free agency (which wasn't a surprise) to join the Rams, but the biggest roster move was trading Khalil Mack to the Chargers -- ushering in a new era on the defense. 

Chicago doesn't appear to be bringing back Akiem Hicks, as the pass rush remains a mystery outside of Robert Quinn. (Muhammad was signed as the compliment to him on the edge). The Bears do have Roquan Smith at linebacker, but not much else yet. The same can be said with the secondary, as the defense is undergoing a major renovation. 

Fields' top pass catcher is the emerging Darnell Mooney, but the Bears did sign Pringle to compliment him in the slot. David Montgomery is back at running back as the Bears hope Tarik Cohen can stay healthy as a complimentary back. The offensive line is still a mess, as the Bears don't have a starting tackle back from last year. Patrick should solidify the interior of the line. 

Chicago isn't expected to be good this year. Don't have high expectations for this team. 

Key additions: QB Tyrod Taylor, G Mark Glowinski, RB Matt Breida 

The Giants made the right moves in the front office, hiring Joe Schoen as general manager and Brian Daboll as a head coach. The product on the field leaves a lot to be desired. Daniel Jones still plays behind a putrid offensive line (even with the addition of Glowinski at right guard), which isn't going to help him keep his job as starting quarterback. New York did sign Taylor in case Jones doesn't play up to par. 

The Giants aren't getting any trade offers from Saquon Barkley as he can't stay healthy. Kenny Golladay's contract already looks like a disaster and its hard to get a read on if 2021 first-round pick Kadarius Toney is good or not. The Giants' offense is an enigma, with Jones as the key toward making it better.

Losing Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator is a major blow to the defense. The Giants were able to bring back Blake Martinez, a tackling machine to compliment pass rushers Azeez Ojulari and Leonard Williams. New York is looking to deal James Bradberry, which would be a massive blow to the secondary. 

The Giants' offseason comes down to having the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks in the draft. This team has a golden opportunity to land two impact players. This team is still rebuilding. 

Key additions: QB Marcus Mariota, CB Casey Hayward, RB Damien Williams, G Elijah Wilkinson

Atlanta started its rebuild by trading longtime franchise quarterback Matt Ryan -- and not getting enough draft compensation for a quarterback that can still play. The Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year contract, giving him one last opportunity to start in the league. Mariota will be reunited with head coach Arthur Smith from his days in Tennessee, so the offense will be familiar for him. 

Outside of Kyle Pitts, the Falcons don't have many reliable pass-catching options for Mariota. Wide receiver will be the focus in the draft after losing Russell Gage to the Buccaneers. Atlanta did bring back Cordarrelle Patterson as its Swiss Army knife at running back, but still drag out one of the worst offensive lines in football. Mariota's scrambling ability will be on display.

The Falcons secondary is the bright spot of their defense, but that isn't saying much for a unit with no pass rush and finished as the 29th-ranked defense. Hayward should help out A.J. Terrell reach his potential at cornerback. 

There just isn't much to get excited about in Atlanta is this year. This roster may be the worst in the NFL. 

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Cowboys free agency 2022: Jerry Jones explains decision to trade Amari Cooper, fallout from Randy Gregory - CBS Sports

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Currently in a state of disarray usually reserved for teams who are teetering on the edge of a rebuild, it doesn't feel like the Dallas Cowboys finished the 2021 season with a 12-5 record. Part of this is because of their abysmal showing against the San Francisco 49ers in their first-round playoff exit, but the rest is because of their personnel choices in 2022 free agency -- e.g., Amari Cooper, La'el Collins, Randy Gregory -- combined with a sizable dose of controversy, both on and off of the field. 

Speaking from the NFL's annual meetings in Florida, owner Jerry Jones opted to place aside paternity suits and voyeurism settlements, instead addressing the team's roster moves in free agency -- skirting the fact there have only been two outside acquisitions in wideout James Washington and linebacker Dante Fowler. 

The signing of Washington was a move made out of a necessity created in trading Cooper to the Cleveland Browns as opposed to restructuring his deal for instant cap savings, and for merely a 2022 fifth-round pick, along with being unable to re-sign Cedrick Wilson (who now joins Connor Williams and Byron Jones in a Miami Dolphins uniform). But as it relates to Cooper, Jones admits the four-time Pro Bowler can be "great", but didn't view it as having happened consistently enough after signing him to a five-year, $100 million contract two years ago.

"We had to look hard at the 10 or 11 players who are getting two-thirds of the money," Jones said of the decision to part ways with Cooper, per the team's website. "We have to make sure every one those players are pulling as much weight as you can because of the economic emphasis. ... At the end of the day, it is a financial allocation toward the talent, and you've got to consider availability, and that sometimes departs from the best route runner."

And then came the controversial split with Gregory, something the Cowboys tried desperately to avoid. 

Having failed to begin negotiations with Gregory until NFL legal tampering began, the Cowboys effectively waved off the inside track on retaining the former second-round pick and instead pitted themselves against multiple teams bidding for his services -- the Denver Broncos emerging as a frontrunner to poach him away from Dallas. Things imploded after the two sides agreed to terms on the aforementioned five-year deal due to a dispute in contract language after the fact, but before pen touched paper, and it was indeed the Broncos who went on to land Gregory after a whirlwind few hours of contract controversy. 

Sources confirmed to CBS Sports that Jones, who was initially livid at the outcome after having stepped in to close the deal with Gregory before what can only be viewed now as LanguageGate, reached back out to Gregory and his agent in a last-ditch effort to woo them into pivoting back to Dallas. It didn't work, and Jones alleges this time it was he who said no, despite the fact it was he who made the call.

"Literally, I was on the phone with Randy and his agent, and I said 'El Paso,' that little West Texas town. I said 'El Paso -- thank you, but no thank you.' And he said 'I'll go ahead and get on the plane,'" said Jones. "So we could have done something there, and they asked if we would do that, and I didn't do it. And I didn't do it of my own volition. ... I want him to have a lot of success, except when he's playing the Cowboys. 

"But I'm a fan of Randy's and I was thinking that his best was ahead of him."

It's debatable if Jones is attempting to save some type of face in an offseason that's seen it drenched with egg, but the fact of the matter is what's most relevant is the front office's determination -- as of late -- to sell themselves on how quantity is always better than quality.

"It worked out," team exec Stephen Jones said of signing Fowler, Dorance Armstrong and Leighton Vander Esch with money that was originally put on the table for Gregory. "We feel really good about that situation."

It bears mentioning that Gregory's cap hit for 2022 would've been only $6 million, while the combined cap hit for all Fowler, Armstrong and LVE is $8.3 million, a tidbit that undermines the supposed salary cap victory Jones is trying to purvey; and regarding a player the Cowboys did all they could to keep in the building, the language disagreement notwithstanding.

The elder Jones mirrors the sentiment regarding quantity, though.

"We got at least three more top players with what we would have spent there," he said, before vaguely admitting there's a chance it doesn't pan out how they hope it will. 

"It's a call that, we'll just see."

Losing Gregory to the Broncos, combined with Cooper's trade and the release of starting right tackle La'el Collins, has put/kept tens of millions of dollars in the Cowboys pockets for new signings and re-signings, but while they've mostly done well thus far with the latter, they're severely lacking on the former. And things could have also been precipitously worse, if you can fathom it, had they stuck to their guns in offering All-Pro defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence a deal he deemed "disrespectful", leading to him asking to be released before ultimately working out a new contract with the club.

As the 2022 NFL Draft speeds toward them, the Cowboys will have to ace that test in order to balance out an offseason that sees them failing at so many others. Otherwise, a pivotal season to come for head coach Mike McCarthy might become his swan song.

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Seahawks 2022 NFL mock draft: The post-free agency edition - Seahawks Wire

By Tim Weaver | March 28, 2022 8:00 am PT

As the NFL’s free agency period enters its third week, things are beginning to wind down. The Seahawks had a lot of cap space coming in but that quickly dried up after they re-signed most of their own free agents. The good news is that Seattle hit needs along the edge and at slot cornerback, along with a few other spots. Unfortunately, this roster still has plenty of holes to go around on both sides of the ball.

In our latest seven-round 2022 Seahawks mock draft, we tried to plug as many of them as possible. Here’s how it turned out.

Pick No. 9: Cincinnati CB Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback should be the team’s No. 1 priority at this spot, but if Liberty’s Malik Willis isn’t on the board then they should probably look elsewhere. We know the Seahawks need another boundary cornerback after letting D.J. Reed leave for the Jets and they’ve used one of their official top-30 visits on Gardner, so there’s definitely interest here. Gardner has the length Pete Carroll loves in addition to the man-coverage skills that Seattle’s DBs will need in the new more-aggressive scheme under coordinator Clint Hurtt.

Pick No. 40: Georia LB Nakobe Dean

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Barton did fine work in the final two games of the 2021 season with Bobby Wagner out. However, the Seahawks can’t assume that he’ll become their long-term starting middle linebacker. Along with Utah’s Devin Lloyd, Dean is supposed to be one of the top off-ball linebacker prospects in this class and like Wagner he can impact the game in more ways than one. He earned PFF’s highest pass-rush grade as well as their highest coverage grade at his position last year.

Pick No. 41: Michigan EDGE David Ojabo

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ojabo suffered a torn ACL at Michigan’s pro day. Originally projected to be a first-round pick, this development could make him slide into the second. If he’s still there the Seahawks should at least consider it. Ojabo is coming off a breakout 2021 season, having posted 11 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss.

Pick No. 72: Nevada QB Carson Strong

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

10 years ago, the Seahawks found their new franchise quarterback in the third round of the draft – taking Russell Wilson at No. 75 overall. In this scenario, they’d be hoping for lightning to strike twice in roughly the same spot. In college Strong completed over 68% of his passes, totaling 9,368 yards, 74 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions. He comps well with Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins, which may hold a real appeal for coach Carroll.

Pick No. 109: North Dakota State OT Cordell Volson

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One of the largest holes on this roster at the moment is offensive tackle. With both Duane Brown and Brandon Shell being free agents, Seattle will need to address this position in the draft – perhaps more than once. Volson (6-foot-7, 313 pounds) has the strong frame and the plus athleticism to make it at the next level. He’s a three-year starter with experience at guard, as well.

Pick No. 152: Arizona State RB Rachaad White

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Rashaad Penny re-signed for another year, running back may not seem like a priority. However, Chris Carson’s injury situation should mean that we’ll see Seattle pick one. White has the build (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and the decisiveness that Carroll wants in his running backs. Last season he racked up 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 183 carries.

Pick No. 153: Kentucky iOL Luke Fortner

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks have signed Austin Blythe and are bringing back Kyle Fuller, but as of yet their most promising 2021 center (Ethan Pocic) is still a free agent. That means they may be targeting a prospect at this position. Fortner (6-foot-4, 307 pounds) has the requisite intangibles he needs and could take over for Blythe as the team’s starting center as soon as 2023.

Pick No. 229: Oklahoma WR Michael Woods II

BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last but not least, the Seahawks could use some more depth at wide receiver behind Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, especially after a lost rookie season for Dee Eskridge. Woods (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) flashed enough last year for Oklahoma after transferring from Arkansas to be worth a seventh-round flyer. He totaled 35 catches, 400 yards and two touchdowns.

2022 NFL draft, Ahmad Gardner, breaking, Carson Strong, David Ojabo, Nakobe Dean, nfl draft, Seahawks mock draft, Seattle Seahawks, stn, NFL Draft

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How to get a free tree in Philadelphia - The Philadelphia Inquirer

According to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, between 2008 to 2018, Philly lost 1,095 acres of tree canopy — the equivalent of 1,000 football fields.

Trees help reduce the city’s temperature and pollution levels, as well as improve the health and well-being of people who live here. According to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy tree mapping, trees save Pennsylvania $4,356,390 by reducing energy costs, filtering stormwater, improving air quality, and absorbing carbon dioxide.

You can help increase the number of trees by planting one in your yard (or on your street). And it’s free.

Here is a list of programs that can help you get free trees.

Why you should plant a tree

According to the National Wildlife Federation, trees are important because they:

• improve air quality
• improve water quality reducing flooding and erosion
• temper climate
• are good for the economy
• provide a habitat for plants and animals
• improve health
• reduce crime
• reduce noise pollution
• promote community

Free tree programs in Philadelphia

TreePhilly

Created in 2011, TreePhilly is a citywide program from Parks and Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy that helps people in Philly plant and take care of trees, especially in areas that have a higher risk of environmental health hazards, and where tree canopies are disappearing. Since 2012, the program has given away more than 25,000 trees through seasonal giveaways and partnerships with neighborhood organizations. In 2022, TreePhilly will give away 850 free yard trees to Philadelphia residents. Willow Oak, fig trees, and witch Hazel are among some the tree species available this season.

No matter where you live in the city, you can get a free tree at one of the following events (make sure to register first):

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• Northeast Philly: May 14, noon-3 p.m., Frankford Boat Launch, 5501 Tacony St., Registration open April 26-May 10. Check treephilly.com for updates.

Help make this guide better

See something missing? If you spot an error or omission in any of our guides, please let us know by emailing us at phillytips@inquirer.com

If you live in North, Northwest, Northeast, West, or Southwest Philly, there are also community-specific events. Sign up for your tree at treephilly.org.

Delivery is available, however, it’s meant for older people and those without cars. TreePhilly also can help you plant your tree.

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📞 215-683-0217, 🌐 treephilly.org

A tree shades part of East Cambria Street in Kensington.. ... Read moreMONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer

Do I have space for a tree?

You have enough space for a tree if your space:

• is at least 3x3 feet wide and deep.
• doesn't have an existing tree that would need to be removed.
• is 15-30 feet away from other trees (depending on the tree).
• is at least five feet from maintenance hole covers, storm drains, crosswalks, street signs, and main utility lines.
• isn't within 18 inches of utility lines. 
• is at least 10 feet from driveways.
• isn't in front of steps, doorways, alleyways, or between accessibility parking signs.
• is at least three feet from steps, stoops, or walls to allow space for unobstructed sidewalks.
• isn't in front of a new or in-progress construction.
• isn't in front of homes that are for sale.
• is at least 15 feet from light poles, utility poles, and fire hydrants.
• is at least 15 feet from an intersection, or at least 30 feet from an intersection with stop signs or traffic lights.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

If you are a homeowner and want a tree in your neighborhood, but don’t have a yard or space to plant one, the PA Horticultural Society will give you up to three free street trees per season.

How to apply: Fill out the Property Owner Request form online. An urban forestry technician from Parks and Recreation will come by to inspect; if you get approved, an expert will determine the best species for your sidewalk.

You may have to wait for your tree. Trees are planted in April and November. Depending on the volume of applications, trees requested after May may not be planted until the following April; those submitted after November may not be planted until the following November.

📞 215-988-8795, ✉️ jsamaha@pennhort.org, 🌐 phsonline.org

If you live in Philly, you can get a free tree for your yard or your sidewalk. Trees benefit the city in a number of ways, including reducing noise, temperature, and pollution.. ... Read moreInga Saffron

Parks and Recreation

Like PHS, Parks and Recreation also has a free street tree program, open to homeowners, commercial property owners, and renters (with the permission of the owner).

How to apply: You can request a tree at any time, but most are planted from April to June and October to November. Register at phila.gov. The average wait time is about 18 months.

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📞 215-685-4363 or 215-685-4362, 🌐 phila.gov

Street trees: homeowner responsibilities

Street trees are the joint responsibility of you and the city. Here's what your obligations are:

• Fixing damage to the sidewalk in front of your house. So if you are approved, and change your mind, you are responsible for replacing the sidewalk if it gets cut for a tree.
• Watering your tree: Once you have your new tree, you have to water the tree once a week (twice during summer), for two years. Your tree will need 15 to 20 gallons per week. You are also in charge of  weeding, cleaning, and protecting your street tree from damage from cars or lawn mowers.
• Reporting any damage or sickness: Only Parks and Recreation can plant, prune, or remove street trees. So, if your tree seems sick or damaged, it is your responsibility to notify Parks and Recreation.

Free tree programs in Pennsylvania

If you live outside of Philadelphia, here is where you can get a free tree:

Arbor Day Foundation

Created in 1972, there Arbor Day Foundation is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to planting trees around the world. It’s not free, but if you become a member (by donating at least $10), the group will give you ten free trees to plant in your yard. (And your donation is tax deductible.)

🌐 arborday.org

Free tree programs in New Jersey

New Jersey Forest Service

Each year, the New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS) partners with the Arbor Day Foundation Program to give away free trees. You can find tree giveaways near you on the NFJS website, or watch for events on the NJFS Facebook page.

🌐 nj.gov

Municipal tree programs

If you live in New Jersey, contact your municipality to find out about local free tree programs. For example, Union County gives free trees to schools on a first-come-first-served basis in March while supplies last. Find the contact info for your municipality here.

🌐 nj.gov

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