CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On December 9, 2023, a tornado outbreak left neighborhoods in Madison, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville and Clarksville devastated. In total, seven lives were lost and thousands of homes were impacted.
The recovery continues this week as Middle Tennessee marks one year since the severe weather event.
In Montgomery County, the city of Clarksville will distribute free trees to 150 survivor families as a symbol of renewal, growth and hope.
Families will be able to choose between an Oak, Maple or flowering Dogwood tree "to bring life and beauty to their properties once more," the city said in a statement.
The City of Clarksville has partnered with Hands On Nashville to assist residents in planting these trees.
Trees will be available for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Heritage Park, located at 1241 Peachers Mill Road.
This comes as the city is shifting from a long term recovery group to a VOAD group, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
"This group of amazing nonprofits and faith based organizations who stood up in a big way are going to be able to have a more strategic approach to the next event," said Michelle Austin, Clarksville neighborhood and community services director. "We hope that never happens, but realistically, we want to be better prepared as a city to address humanitarian needs after the next event."
Registration to receive a tree or help plant a tree is available here.