TreeFolks launches the Blanco River Reforestation program with Big Planting Event Saturday
TreeFolks launches a multi-year, Blanco River Reforestation program with the first big community planting event — this Saturday, November 12, 2016.
Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, MD, explains the importance of this ecosystem restoration program after the devastating floods of Memorial Day and Halloween weekend 2015.
“Replanting our signature cypress trees and other trees along the banks of the Blanco is important for many reasons,” said Judge Cobb. “There’s a public benefit for all of Hays County — trees and other vegetation help stabilize the soil and provide other ecosystem services. The trees’ aesthetic appeal not only brings tourists into our economy for relaxation and recreation. Restoring the environment also heals hearts and uplifts our communities.”
Hays County officials learned from the Texas A&M Forest Service of TreeFolks’ Bastrop Reforestation work where, after four years of community plantings, TreeFolks is about to plant its 2 millionth tree in early December. While the Bastrop program continues, Hays County has partnered with TreeFolks who will coordinate community plantings of over 250,000 seedlings on flood-damaged land along the banks of the Blanco River with support from H.E.B., Impact Austin, the Burdine-Johnson Foundation, and American Forests.
“The important thing to know is that this is a project that will last several years. We can’t serve everyone in year one but we’ll get to you,” said Matt Mears, TreeFolks Reforestation Manager. “In the meantime, there’s a lot you can do. A healthy riparian zone – that’s the river bank – consists of a diverse mix of plants. After the flood and the denuding of the bank, it would be good to allow Texas native vegetation such as grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees to re-establish by creating grow zones.”
TreeFolks received over 250 applications for reforestation in Hays County.
For more information or to arrange an interview with stakeholders, contact Donna Hoffman at 512-299-5776 or donna@treefolks.org.
Click here to volunteer for this or future plantings.
Thank you. TreeFolks Reforestation Program staff members
