Hikers will get the chance to learn about various species of trees and shrubs native to the region on Goose Creek State Park’s Arbor Day hike.

The public may join park rangers and staff along the park’s Tar Kiln trail and boardwalk to identify some of the most popular species, as well hear stories of how trees have helped shape the state of North Carolina. Some of the trees that rangers will discuss and observe with participants include cypress trees, loblolly pines and several different species of shrubs.

According to Joe Martin, one of the park’s rangers, Weyerhaeuser Co. has donated free trees for each hiker in an effort to promote the planting of trees. Recipients of the trees may take the trees home and plant them at their discretion.

“They (Weyerhaeuser) are a wonderful source of donating trees for us,” said Martin. “They give away seedlings and donate longleaf pines.”

Martin said the Arbor Day hike is a result of a state parks’ program requirement that each division host five out of a possible 10 days of national recognition.

“It (Arbor Day) is one of the national recognition days that we try to expose people to,” said Martin. “This is our first year doing the hike.”

Martin mentioned several days of national recognition in which the park participates, including National Trails Day, a New Year’s Day resolution hike, Earth Day and Big Sweep, a day designed for litter pick-up along waterways in the area.

Anyone wishing to participate in the Arbor Day hike is asked to meet in the Ivey Gut parking lot at 2 p.m., dressed appropriately. For more information, call 252-923-2191.