The Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards (MJRWS) is teaming up with Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds, to launch the Saskatchewan Trees for Life Program.

This program aims to increase awareness and education on climate change by distributing 24,000 trees across the province.

MJRWS is receiving 3,000 trees to distribute across the Moose Jaw region.

Two trees are allotted per person if they fill out an online climate change survey, and each tree comes with a pamphlet on how to care for your tree.

Environmental Technician, Taylor Kell, says trees play a huge role in reducing carbon.

"Young trees absorb CO2 at a rate of about 13 pounds per tree each year and trees reach their most productive stage of carbon storage at about 10 years old at which point they are estimated to absorb about 48 pounds of CO2 per year," says Kell.

Trees also provide habitat for wildlife, reduce erosion and nutrient loading along shorelines, improving water quality in lakes and other bodies of water.

Kell says there are several tree species available, including white spruce, prairie sky poplar, and three types of willows.

Take a photo of your newly planted tree and post it with the hashtag #SKTreeForLife. 

For more information on how to secure your tree visit the Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards website.