"We're trying to add some woodlands back into a park that has a lot of excessive fields," said FACT spokesman David Roseman. "We're trying to introduce more native plants."

FACT is looking for volunteers to help plant 40 native trees, including sycamores, red maples and river birch, in the 34-acre park on Westerville Road in Columbus.

"We'll have a lot of trees in five-gallon buckets," Roseman said.

The trees will provide a benefit to the park by reducing the amount of storm water that runs directly off the fields into streams, creating a habitat for birds and animals and holding soil to help prevent erosion, Roseman said.

FACT is funding the $1,000 cost of the trees, Roseman said. He said FACT appreciates the chance to help Columbus' parks at a time the city is facing financial difficulties.

"They'll take whatever we can give them," Roseman said.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the picnic shelter behind the tennis courts at the park, 5550 Westerville Road. The planting will take place regardless of weather, Roseman said.

FACT also will be joined Saturday by staff and student volunteers from Otterbein College as part of the school's annual Spring Plunge community service day.

The tree planting at Casto Park is one of many activities FACT has planned for the spring.

Also on Saturday, volunteers will meet at Pump House Park near Bexley to clean up brush and debris and pull invasive honeysuckle plants.

On May 2, FACT will gather a group of volunteers to pull honeysuckle and plant native species at Westerville's Heritage Park.

The many volunteer activities planned by FACT are typical of this time of year, Roseman said, as it's the best time to plant flowers and trees, and to access greenways to clear out trash and honeysuckle before they become overgrown with plants.

"April's the ideal time for planting," Roseman said. "It's an ideal time to access the greenway area."

For more information on FACT or its events, visit www.friendsofalumcreek.org or call the FACT office at (614) 409-0511.