The Woodlands® Annual Arbor Day celebration Jan 24

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Mark your calendars for the annual Arbor Day Celebration in The Woodlands® on Saturday, January 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the award-winning Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park®. The annual celebration is sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes Corporation®; The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau; Repsol; The Woodlands Township; and The Brickman Group, Ltd.

Since 1977, The Woodlands Development Company and its sponsors have given away over 1.2 million tree seedlings at Arbor Day. For the third year, The Woodlands Township will donate an additional 91,000 tree seedlings to be distributed at the event to enhance the forested setting of The Woodlands. This brings the total number of tree seedlings to be handed out to 121,000 this year.

“Throughout the years at the Arbor Day Celebration, the developer and sponsors have given away over one million tree seedlings to help perpetuate the forested environment in The Woodlands,” said Tim Welbes, Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company. “We are grateful to all of the sponsors who make this a wonderful community event. We invite residents of the community and guests to come out and enjoy the Arbor Day festivities and receive new tree seedlings.”

Eight different varieties of free tree seedlings will be available, continuing a 39-year tradition. The selection of trees includes Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Loblolly Pine, River Birch, Southern Wax Myrtle, Sweetbay Magnolia, Shumard Oak and Water Oak. In addition to receiving free tree seedlings, guests may register at the event to win one of five, seven-gallon native trees. The drawings will take place hourly. Winners must be present.

“The Woodlands Township knows the importance of Arbor Day and is proud to sponsor this community tradition. The trees given away help long-lasting efforts to add thousands of trees in residential yards, roadways, commercial properties, parks and open spaces,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Bruce Tough. “Arbor Day helps to highlight the natural beauty of The Woodlands - its trees.”

Residents are encouraged to collect their free tree seedlings at the Arbor Day celebration and plant them on their property, in community open space reserves and in forest preserves.

“We are honored to be able to present free tree seedlings to visitors at the annual Arbor Day Celebration,” said Gordy Bunch, Chairman of the Board of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Woodlands is known for its trees and green space within the 28,000 forested acres that encompass the master planned community. Trees are a vital part of making The Woodlands a true destination.”

Lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone®, will also celebrate his birthday, beginning at 1pm with free birthday cupcakes and a visit with his mascot friends, including Bridgeland Bill from The Woodlands’ sister community, Bridgeland. Bridgeland is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes Corporation. Free giant inflatable rides and rock walls, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting will entertain the crowd. Concessions will also be sold at the event (cash only). Musical entertainment will be provided by local youth.

The Woodlands® is a 28,000-acre master planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. Throughout its 40-year history, The Woodlands has led the way among master planned communities that practice environmental preservation. It is home to over 109,000 people, and more than 50,000 people work in the community. The Woodlands is ranked the #3 Top-Selling Master Planned Community in Texas and #8 in the U.S. by RCLCO, based on 2013 new home sales. For more information, visit www.thewoodlands.com <p>

The Howard Hughes Corporation® owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Our properties include master planned communities, operating properties, development opportunities and other unique assets spanning 16 states from New York to Hawai‘i. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC and is headquartered in Dallas, TX. For additional information about HHC, visit www.howardhughes.com <p>



Photo caption:

Pictured from left to right in photo: Lorrie Parise, Marketing Manager, TWDC; Nick Wolda, President, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and Director of Community Relations, The Woodlands Township; Jan Sieving, VP Public Affairs, Repsol; Kimberly Berriochoa, Community Affairs, Repsol; Bruce Tough, Chairman of The Woodlands Township; Tim Welbes, Co-President, TWDC; and Joel Dodd, Branch Manager, The Brickman Group, Ltd.