Residents help reforest The Woodlands at two annual events

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Residents have been hard at work planting native trees across the community, helping to ensure a healthy forest for us all to enjoy for years to come. The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department produced two events early this year to spur these efforts.

The 46th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway took place Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Rob Fleming Park. 13,000 native seedlings were disbursed to over 2,000 residents. Twelve varieties of seedlings were offered, each benefiting local wildlife. Flowering varieties provide nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Berry producing varieties offer small mammals and birds an important food source. And all serve as critical hosts for beneficial insects.

Attendees were able to visit the Ask an Expert booth to learn more about proper tree care as well as booths about composting, pollinator gardening, rain barrels and more. Children of all ages visited with mascots and learned the importance of protecting our forests.

The Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was sponsored by Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Centerpoint Energy, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Woodlands Water Agency.

Two weeks later, on February 12, 2022, the 8th Annual Community Tree Planting event took place at Meadowlake Park. More than 200 volunteers braved wet weather to reforest a half-acre of park with native trees and plants.

The Township Forestry Division has been hard at work removing invasive vines and non-native plants throughout the park. The area will now provide habitat for a diversity of native animals, birds, and beneficial insects like pollinators.

The Community Tree Planting was sponsored by Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Centerpoint Energy, King Solomon Tree Services, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Rothco Tree Services, Texas Forest Service and Trees for Houston.