Trees for Houston: Pioneering Urban Greening in the Greater Houston Area

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 6/24/2024, 12:25 p.m.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Trees For Houston has set a record by planting 101,000 trees and understory species across 150 …

 In a groundbreaking achievement, Trees For Houston has set a record by planting 101,000 trees and understory species across 150 zip codes during the 2023-2024 planting season. This monumental effort, spanning from October to April, included 473 tree plantings and 165 tree giveaway events, significantly bolstered by the new Kinder Campus and Chevron Tree Nursery.

Revolutionizing Urban Forestry with Strategic Partnerships

Trees For Houston (TFH) continues to lead urban tree planting initiatives throughout the Greater Houston region. Over the past three years, TFH has impressively increased its tree planting and distribution efforts from 26,000 to over 100,000 trees annually. This exceptional growth is attributed to expanded tree-growing operations, effective project execution, and robust community collaborations.

"Having a permanent home with our own dedicated tree nursery has been transformative for Trees For Houston," says Barry Ward, Executive Director of Trees For Houston. "Our enhanced capabilities allow us to better serve the Greater Houston Area, distributing more trees to diverse communities. We owe our success to our donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who have supported our mission."

Kinder Campus: A Hub for Tree Advocacy and Education

The new $9 million Kinder Campus, which opened to the public in October 2023, marks a significant milestone for TFH. The grand opening event attracted 130 tree supporters, including City, County, and State officials, who gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The campus features the Kyle and John Kirksey Center and the Bauer Education Center, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for tree advocacy and education.

Located at 1911 W. 34th Street in the Oak Forest area, the Chevron Tree Nursery provides easy access to Loop 610, further enhancing TFH's reach and impact.

A National Model for Urban Forestry

Since its inception in 1983, Trees For Houston has planted nearly 800,000 trees, establishing itself as a national model for innovative and economically effective urban forestry. TFH plays a critical role in the City of Houston’s Resilient Houston strategy and Houston Climate Action Plan, which aims to plant 4.6 million trees over the next decade. The trees provided by TFH are vital in restoring, protecting, and enhancing Houston’s urban landscape, contributing to carbon capture, storage, and flood reduction efforts.

Join the Movement: Supporting a Greener Houston

The success of Trees For Houston is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. With continued support from donors, corporate partners, and volunteers, TFH is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. Join us in our mission to create a greener, more resilient Houston for future generations.

For more information and to get involved, visit  https://www.treesforhouston.org and follow us on social media for updates on our latest projects and events.