Dutch Communities Unite For Trees Art And Change

As the calendar turns to 2026, the Netherlands is abuzz with community-driven initiatives and creative events that highlight the country’s enduring spirit of unity, environmental stewardship, and artistic expression. From the leafy avenues of Amersfoort to the vibrant neighborhoods of Hof van Twente and the cultural heart of Sint-Michielsgestel, residents are rolling up their sleeves and coming together in ways that both honor tradition and embrace the future.

One of the most anticipated events this January is the special tree giveaway organized by the local hub of the national Meer Bomen Nu initiative in Amersfoort. Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, from 9:00 to 12:00 at Heiligenbergerweg 151 in park Elisabeth Groen, this event offers residents the chance to pick up free young trees and shrubs for planting in their own gardens, farms, or community spaces. The selection is impressive, featuring species such as oak, maple, beech, rowan, smoke tree, guelder rose, and more, with heights ranging from 50 to 150 centimeters. For those with less space, cuttings between 30 and 50 centimeters are also available.

But what makes this initiative truly remarkable is the story behind the seedlings themselves. According to organizers at Meer Bomen Nu, these young trees and shrubs are not commercially grown, but are carefully collected by volunteers from areas where they would otherwise be lost to mowing or shredding. By rescuing these saplings from the fate of the mulch pile and offering them to the public, the project gives each plant a second chance at life while helping to green the city—at no cost to participants.

Participation, however, does require a bit of planning. Prospective tree recipients must register in advance via the Meer Bomen Nu website. Upon signing up, they receive a QR code, which is scanned at pickup to ensure an orderly and fair distribution. This simple step helps the organization keep track of the trees and shrubs as they find new homes across the region.

Meer Bomen Nu, as described by the organization, is a national movement with a clear mission: to combat climate change, boost biodiversity, and empower people to make a tangible difference in their local environment. Each year, countless seedlings sprout in places where they have little chance of reaching maturity—along forest edges, on heathlands, or in fallow fields. Rather than letting these young trees go to waste, the initiative mobilizes thousands of volunteers to gather and redistribute them. The impact has been staggering: since its inception, millions of trees and shrubs have found new places to grow, thanks to the collective effort of communities across the country.

“By digging up and distributing these seedlings, we can green Amersfoort faster and for free,” a spokesperson for the event explained. The ripple effects extend far beyond city limits, as the project actively encourages individuals, farmers, and even food forests to participate, offering everyone a concrete way to contribute to a healthier, more resilient landscape.

Meanwhile, in the eastern municipality of Hof van Twente, the focus is on celebrating a significant milestone: the community’s 25th anniversary. On January 1, 2026, Hof van Twente marked a quarter-century since its formation, and the jubilee is being commemorated throughout the year under the theme “Unity in diversity.” This guiding principle underscores the unique character, traditions, and ambitions of the municipality’s six centers and thirteen neighborhoods, while also highlighting the ties that bind them together.

Central to the anniversary festivities is the Noaberfonds, which is offering 25 grants of €1,000 each to residents with exceptional ideas—dubbed “25 jaar Hof-idee”—that aim to create a positive and visible impact on society and foster greater connection among neighbors. These ideas must be both practical and innovative, reflecting the spirit of unity within diversity and slated for execution in 2026. Applications are being accepted from January 25 to March 25 via the municipality’s official website.

Selected initiatives will receive more than just funding. According to the municipality, chosen projects will be spotlighted in a special jubilee magazine, featured in festive presentations, and celebrated throughout the year, showcasing the creativity and originality of the community. The emphasis is on ideas that not only bring people together but also leave a lasting mark on the social fabric of Hof van Twente.

This approach, as highlighted by the Noaberfonds, transforms the anniversary from a mere celebration into an opportunity for meaningful action. “It’s a beautiful chance to turn the connection we feel in Hof into initiatives that make a real difference,” organizers said. By encouraging residents to dream big and work collaboratively, the jubilee year promises to be as impactful as it is festive.

Not to be outdone, the municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel is gearing up for its own celebration of creativity and reflection with the upcoming Pinksterexpositie, a visual arts exhibition scheduled for Pentecost weekend, May 22 to May 25, 2026. Organized by the Kunstcommissie Pinksterexpositie, this year’s event revolves around the evocative theme “Time in motion.”

The exhibition invites passionate amateur artists from Sint-Michielsgestel to submit a single artwork—be it a painting, glasswork, ceramic piece, sculpture, or textile creation—that interprets the movement of time. The theme is intentionally broad, encouraging artists to explore everything from the turbulence of current geopolitical events to the personal passage from past to future. The only restrictions are that each work must fit within a 100x100 centimeter frame (except for garden sculptures) and must be newly created for the event.

This year, the organizers are making a special effort to include more textile art, a form that has been somewhat underrepresented in previous editions. The exhibition will be held in the centrally located Protestant church and its adjoining Tuinkamer and garden at Schijndelseweg 1, providing a welcoming and atmospheric backdrop for both artists and visitors.

Artists interested in participating must apply by February 25, 2026. The selection committee will review submissions and announce its choices by mid-March, with space for 28 works in total. “Show how you, as an artist, experience the movement of time,” the organizers urge, inviting creators to inspire others with their unique perspectives.

What unites these diverse events is a shared commitment to community, creativity, and environmental responsibility. Whether it’s giving a second life to rescued saplings, empowering neighbors to launch transformative projects, or encouraging artists to reflect on the nature of time, each initiative offers a powerful reminder that positive change can start at the local level—and that everyone has a role to play.

As the year unfolds, the Netherlands continues to demonstrate that unity, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of place are as vital as ever, inspiring individuals and communities alike to take action, celebrate their heritage, and look forward to what comes next.