A day planned to make El Cerrito greener may not be as colorful as planned if more locations don't take advantage of an offer to plant free street trees.

The trees are free and being made available for Greening El Cerrito Day on Oct. 17, when volunteers are prepared to dig holes and plant trees in front of homes and businesses that have signed up. "We've had good success with people wanting to volunteer to plant trees, but we have a dearth of people signed up to get trees planted in front of their house," said Garth Schultz, an environmental analyst for the city.

Those who sign up can choose any type of tree from the city's approved list. The city will waive encroachment permits for trees planted that day and city crews will help select appropriate sites. Funding for the trees comes from grant successfully won by the late Bruce King, the city's longtime maintenance and engineering services manager.

The city hopes to put 50 to 100 trees in place that day and has funding for as many as 150, but right now there are fewer than 20 takers.

The deadline for requesting a tree has been extended to Monday. Tree requests should be made to Schultz at 510-215-4354 or gschultz@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.

The morning planting will be followed by the Making El Cerrito Greener Environmental Showcase from noon to 2 p.m. at City Hall and City Hall Plaza, 10890 San Pablo Ave.

The showcase will feature music,

children's activities, free food, and educational displays about the city's efforts to reduce waste, recognize environmental achievement, and develop a climate action plan. The community can comment on these efforts and learn about the plan to form volunteer Green Teams dedicated to addressing environmental issues locally.