Austin, TX – TreeFolks, in partnership with Bastrop County, proudly announces the planting of the 2 millionth pine tree on private land in Bastrop this Saturday, February 4th. This free, public volunteer event is part of the Bastrop County Community Reforestation Program, a recovery effort that began in 2012 in response to the devastating Bastrop County Complex Fire that burned for nearly two months in 2011. The fire was the most destructive wildfire in Texas history and severely impacted the Lost Pines ecosystem, an area known for its unique loblolly pine forests. These native pines are genetically distinct from the loblolly pine forests of East Texas, earning the region its popular nickname of “The Lost Pines.”
TreeFolks led the reforestation efforts on private land with the help of numerous landowners, volunteers, and local officials who have rallied behind the program. With support of the Arbor Day Foundation, TreeFolks has hosted 40 planting events over five years, work that is necessary to accelerate the recovery of the Lost Pines ecosystem. As the reforestation program concludes its fifth year, TreeFolks celebrates this milestone while planning for another year of work in Bastrop County. In 2017, TreeFolks will continue leading the region’s private land reforestation effort through ongoing education and tree distribution.
TreeFolks has provided comprehensive reforestation services to over 400 landowners since the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire. This winter alone, volunteers have planted over 8,000 saplings through 5 volunteer events. These saplings provide important environmental benefits to the Bastrop community and help restore the beautiful Lost Pines ecosystem.
WHO: TreeFolks in partnership with Bastrop County
WHAT: Milestone 2 Millionth Tree Planting
WHEN: Saturday, February 4th, 2017, 10 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: Private land in Bastrop County*
WHY: To provide important environmental benefits to the Bastrop community while restoring the Lost Pines ecosystem.
For more information about the Bastrop County Community Reforestation Program, please visit TreeFolks’ website (https://treefolkstest.wpengine.com/reforesting-the-lost-pines/).
*Media outlets interested in covering this event should contact TreeFolks for location specifics.
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OUR MISSION: TreeFolks empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
