BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WLOS) — Hundreds of native trees were given away Thursday, Oct. 2, as part of ongoing efforts to help the environment recover from Helene.

Ingles Markets, Procter & Gamble, the Arbor Day Foundation and Trout Unlimited partnered to distribute 300 trees to households in the community. The distribution event was held at the Black Mountain Ingles.

Trees, especially after a natural disaster, help hold sediment from flowing into local rivers.

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“Planting trees and engaging with the community — like the people we see here today — in that activity, gives agency and starts empowering people, kind of to take back what the storm took away from them,” said Jeff Yates, the senior director of engagement with Trout Unlimited. “That’s equally as important as what we’re doing to fix the rivers and, you know, repair the roads.”

A spokesperson for Trout Unlimited said the conservation organization has planted more than 15,000 trees in the area in the past year, with more to come.

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“Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight. Meaningful recovery takes time, and we’re here for the long haul, ready to work side by side with local leaders like Trout Unlimited. Because together, we can grow hope,” said Lachel Bradley-Williams, senior manager of community trees for the Arbor Day Foundation, in a written statement.

Trout Unlimited said it plans to add more than 7,000 trees to the region in the coming year.