Tree giveaway event helps residents reforest The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Thousands of native tree seedlings have been planted by residents through the efforts of The Woodlands Township’s Arbor Day celebration recently held at Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park.

The 47th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway took place Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the park in rainy conditions, but it did not dampen the spirt of residents and volunteers. Over 14,000 native seedlings were distributed to more than 800 residents who attended. Eleven varieties of seedlings were offered, each benefiting local wildlife. The 400 leftover seedlings will be used in community tree planting and restoration at other sites.

“Our residents play a key role in keeping The Woodlands as a beautiful, forested town,” said Township Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “Over the years, our residents have planted millions of trees through this great event. We all are very appreciative at The Woodlands Township.”

These trees produce 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.

More than 1,000 packages each of shade-friendly wildflower seeds and butterfly weed were also given away. If all were planted, they would fill about an acre of pollinator habitat throughout yards in The Woodlands.

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 event included 46 volunteers donating a total of 191 hours of work. The Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was sponsored by Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Centerpoint Energy, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Woodlands Water Agency, ArborTrue Tree Service and Kroger.?A special thanks also goes out to W.G. Jones State Forest.

The next event to help reforest The Woodlands is the Annual Community Tree Planting event. This year’s event takes place Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, located at 6535 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands, TX 77389. Registration is required for this event, and there are limited spots available. More information is available on the Calendar page of The Woodlands Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.