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Pancakes with Santa

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by Photodaria on Envato Elements

Celebrate the holiday season with a magical morning of pancakes, festive crafts, and a special visit from Santa! Bring the family and enjoy a delicious breakfast with fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, fresh fruit, orange juice, hot chocolate, and freshly brewed coffee. Kids can join in on the fun with Christmas crafts making holiday keepsakes to take home. Be sure to grab your camera or phone to snap photos with Santa!

Tickets are $15 per person, and children 2 and under eat FREE! Be sure to grab your tickets early—limited tickets will be available at the door. Don’t miss this festive family experience filled with holiday cheer!

Please note:

  • Everyone in your group must have a ticket. If you have someone under 2 in your group that will be eating, please add a FREE ticket to your purchase.
  • Please enter Abram’s Event Venue from the Cotton Square entrance, our First Street entrance will be closed.

It’s National Nachos Day so Let’s Get Cooking

By
Rachel Lauren
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Photo by MegiasD on Envato Elements

It’s National Nachos Day everyone! Chips with queso on top sounds delicious, and it’s perfect for a movie night with friends and family, or maybe a birthday party. You can put pretty much anything you want in the cheese to give it some extra flavor, or you can leave it plain and it’s still good.

The Ultimate Nachos Dish

You could leave it plain Jane, or you could make a masterpiece. It’s up to you! Be prepared though, this recipe calls for more than just chips and cheese.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 10 ounce can Rotel

Cheese sauce

  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese

Assembly

  • 11 ounce bag tortilla chips
  • 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese

Toppings

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced black olives
  • Fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 10×15-inch sheet tray with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef until there is no longer any pink, 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the 1 ounce packet taco seasoning and stir it in.
  • Add 10 ounce can Rotel and stir it in until combined; take off the heat.
  • In a medium-sized saucepot, add 1/4 cup salted butter over medium heat.
  • Once the butter has melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Slowly stream in 2 cups milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, occasionally stirring until slightly thickened.
  • Take off the heat and add 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese. Whisk until combined.
  • Place half of the 11 ounce bag tortilla chips on to the prepared sheet tray.
  • Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the chips.
  • Add half of the meat mixture over the cheese sauce.
  • Top with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat one more time until you have used up all the ingredients.
  • Place the sheet tray into the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and it is warmed through.
  • Add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced black olives and fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Ready to Serve!

You have to do at least a double layer so the toppings are evenly spread through all the chips and you don’t have a ton of leftover plain chips on the bottom. It’s the trick to the best sheet pan nachos. If this doesn’t have all that you’d like, don’t worry, you can totally add beans to this! It would be best to add it to the meat mixture. Or, you can warm up a can of refried beans and add dollops of that while layering the nachos.

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the nachos, line a sheet tray with foil and spray it with cooking spray. Lay them out on top and add another sheet of foil on top, and spray it again with cooking spray on the underside so nothing sticks. This way, they won’t dry out.

My five cents…A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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The holidays are fast approaching and we’re busy gearing up for the next legislative session. It will be here faster than we know it! 

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Texas Veterans Commission awards over $1.4 million in grants to 8 East Texas organizations

Last month, the Texas Veterans Commission presented over $1.4 million to eight East Texas organizations that provide services for veterans and their families. Those grants include: 

  • A $300,000 grant for financial assistance to Cass County; 
  • A $70,000 grant for financial assistance to the Deep East Texas Council of Governments; 
  • A $230,000 grant for home modifications to Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity; 
  • A $145,000 grant for transportation programs to Rise-Resource Information Support and Empowerment; 
  • A $145,000 grant for peer support services to Sabine Valley Regional MHMR Center; 
  • A $100,000 grant to the Salvation Army – Lufkin; 
  • And a $180,000 grant for financial assistance to Trinity County. 

These funds are critical to providing direct services to veterans. In total, TVC approved 181 grants statewide that total over $44 million. The funds are generated primarily from the Texas Lottery Commission’s games designed specifically for veterans support. Texans can also donate when registering their vehicles or getting a hunting or fishing license. These funds will help nearly 42,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses. It’s imperative we as a state continue to support those who bravely served our nation and their families. 

2. TX Space Commission launches $150 million spaceflight exploration, research, development program 

The Texas Space Commission has opened grant applications for $150 million of funding available for businesses and nonprofits looking to fuel the budding Texas space industry. The Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) is designed to support projects related to several areas of space exploration or spaceflight including emerging technology related to human spaceflight, research involving any aspect of space exploration or spaceflight, workforce training, curation of post-mission materials, and development of infrastructure useful or necessary for the establishment of a spaceport. There is no deadline to apply and the commission will consider applications as they come in. To learn more or apply, visit www.space.texas.gov. 

3. Neches High School named Blue Ribbon School 

This year, the US Department of Education announced that Neches High School is a Blue Ribbon School. They were nominated in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School category. The national Blue Ribbon Schools program awards high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing achievement gaps. Overall, 356 schools were recognized in 46 states, with 31 of those schools in Texas – the most of any participating state. The National Blue Ribbon Schools program is one of the Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. The program began over 40 years ago as a way to highlight the best schools in the country and to share best practices from those schools. The two categories include “Exemplary High Performing” public schools which have the state’s highest high school graduation rates and the highest achieving students in English and math and “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” public schools which have made the greatest advances in closing student subgroup achievement gaps in English and math over the past three to five years. Congratulations to all the teachers, students, and administrators at Neches High School for such a wonderful achievement and recognition! 

4. Texas Stock Exchange announces leadership 

Late last month, the Texas Stock Exchange officially announced its leadership team, a critical step forward as the exchange plans its launch. The leadership team is composed of professionals with experience in market structure, regulation, and corporate governance and draws on both public and private sector backgrounds. The exchange plans to file a registration to operate as a national securities exchange in the coming months with the goal of opening for trading in 2025. 

5. Texas DPS reminds drivers inspections changes coming soon

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers of upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that eliminates most vehicle safety inspections. Beginning in January, non-commercial vehicles will no longer need a vehicle safety inspection before registration. While the state will no longer require a safety inspection, several counties will still require emissions tests for vehicles registered in those counties. Emissions tests are required in major metropolitan areas, including Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson counties. Bexar County will be adding an emissions test requirement in 2026.  

A Clearer Path to the Classroom

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Education instructor Rachel Hunt addresses the crowd during this past week’s seminar. Hunt and Sam Houston State University representatives spoke with education paraprofessionals regarding a new collaboration (“EdAide”) between the two organizations designed to create a smoother pathway from paraprofessional to certified teacher. (Gary Stallard photo/AC News Service)

Angelina College, Sam Houston State University Collaborate for Education Program

In the world of education, paraprofessionals are an invaluable resource in any classroom. Those school employees work under the supervision of a licensed educator to ensure complete classroom engagement and overall student learning.

Many of those “paras” also are working on earning their degrees and certifications in an effort to one day lead their own classes.

Thanks to a collaboration between Angelina College and Sam Houston State University, the road to full certification has become a little easier to navigate.

Officials from SHSU and AC met with prospective teachers in a seminar this past week, where those in attendance learned how their dreams of becoming teachers may be even closer to becoming a reality through the “EdAide” program.

AC Education instructor Rachel Hunt said the new pathway is going to bring in more of those whose dream is to work in the field of education at various levels. 

Angelina College Education instructor Rachel Hunt (standing, right) and Sam Houston State University representative Suzanne Kitts (standing, left) address the crowd during this past week’s seminar. AC and SHSU spoke with education paraprofessionals regarding a new collaboration (“EdAide”) between the two organizations designed to create a smoother pathway from paraprofessional to certified teacher. (Gary Stallard photo/AC News Service)

“This is important for Angelina College because this type of program is going to help boost the number of people working to become teachers here at AC,” Hunt said. “It’s specifically for such opportunities as financial aid and assistance for the districts in our area. I’m excited about it because when a lot of us were working to become teachers, we had to quit our jobs and make other adjustments to accommodate our student-teaching requirements. 

“This is new with SHSU, and they go into districts and work with paraprofessionals on a clearer pathway to their chosen fields. This is so good for our students, especially for those who can’t physically drive to the SHSU campus for course work.”

EdAide provides both in-person and synchronous interaction with students and professors. 

Some of the important elements include fully on-line coursework and the ability to use previous job experience – while still getting paid – in lieu of a new student-teaching role.

“There are also very specific scholarship programs, and the money specifically goes to our East Texas residents,” Hunt said. 

Currently, the program exists for those working in grades Early Childhood through sixth grade and Early Childhood to 12th grade Special Education, but Hunt anticipates the addition of high school employees in the near future.

Suzanne Kitts, the EdAide Coordinator at SHSU, addressed the paraprofessionals in attendance, letting them know the hours spent assisting certified teachers are going to apply to their future licensing requirements. 

“All these hours you’re working in a classroom as a paraprofessional now count toward your required student-teaching hours,” Kitts said. “As long as your placement as a paraprofessional aligns with your chosen degree and certification area, your hours worked will apply.”

SHSU representative Angie Taylor discussed how the new pathway originating at Angelina College allows students to complete their transferrable “core” courses at AC before beginning their course-specific work at Sam Houston State University.

For further information on the EdAide program, contact Rachel Hunt at rhunt@angelina.edu. 

Gary Stallard’s email address is gstallard@angelina.edu. 

Blessing Bags for N.A.C.: Helping Those in Need in the Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by Blessing Bags for N.A.C.

Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has only been around for five years, already making a big difference in the Nacogdoches and Angelina County communities. They help the homeless, veterans without a place to call home, and those who are struggling by providing them with toiletries, meals and other necessities. Blessing Bags is committed to developing methods to fight against homelessness and poverty; to be the driving force and advocate for keeping homeless awareness issues before the community leaders. Seen as a leader in the community, having field experience with homeless encampments, Blessing Bags is called on by other non-profits agencies and individuals to provide support for at-risk persons with physical necessities for survival.

Inspired to Act

Because Stephanie Hess’s family–owner and CEO of Blessing Bag for N.A.C.–and they were once homeless in Arkansas, they were having to live everyday not knowing if they were going to have any food or a place to sleep for months.

Stephanie explained, “One day God sent us the help we needed. We started going to a church where we found hope again. My husband was introduced to someone who actually changed our lives forever by giving him a job with a company that he is with to this day.”

This allowed them to get an apartment and slowly get back on their feet. Through her husband’s job they were asked if they wanted to move to Texas. Her and her family prayed hard and once they were sure that’s what God wanted for them, they accepted the offer to move. After moving and being in Nacogdoches, Texas for a few months, Stephanie wanted to give back to the community and help those who are in the same kind of situation that she experienced in Arkansas, so she started Blessing Bags for N.A.C. Stephanie wanted to help others in Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties who are homeless and struggling with toiletry products, food, summer/winter essentials and with resources they may need.

A Heart for the Community

Image by Blessing Bags for N.A.C.
Image by Blessing Bags for N.A.C.
Image by Blessing Bags for N.A.C.

Every event that Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has, they help over 200 people with necessities and meals for the homeless. Blessing Bags truly cares about their community and love to help those in need. On Christmas of 2023 in Nacogdoches at the HOPE Center, they helped over 350 individuals and families with Christmas presents and a hot Christmas meal.

“What a joy it brought to all of us to be able to help the community,” Stephanie added. She truly has a giving and caring heart, and so do the others who work for Blessing Bags.

Blessing Bags Vision for the Future

Stephanie envisions a future for Blessing Bags to have a physical building where they can offer all that they have; products, help with getting a job, and so much more. By providing a physical address to receive what they need so those struggling can get back on their feet, all of their work and more will become both easier and possible. Their physical location would also serve as somewhat of a day center to allow them to get out of the heat or cold, to wash clothes, take showers and enjoy a warm meal.

Stephanie, and her family, know the struggles of being homeless. She knows the anxiety, the instability, and the hardship of it all.

Stephanie’s heart reaches out to those in the same kind of situation she and her family once was in, “I know the struggles and I want to be able to get people the help with what they may need and what they deserve.”

Thanksgiving 2024

Blessing Bags for N.A.C. has a Thanksgiving Blessings Community Meal at the HOPE Center in Nacogdoches on November 23rd at 12 p.m. They will be offering a hot Thanksgiving meal, toiletries, and other necessities. They are desperately needing donations for this upcoming Thanksgiving meal. Turkey’s, Dressing or Boxed Stuffing, Boxed Potatoes, Rolls, Gravy, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Pies, or any other food item you can bring. They also accept monetary donations to help buy what is needed. If you would like to donate anything Stephanie and everyone at Blessing Bags would greatly appreciate it. Nacogdoches residents can drop off their donations at Blue Eyed Cocos – 412 E Main from 10-6, Tuesday – Saturday. If Lufkin residents would like to donate please contact Stephanie Hess at her office number, 936-875 8706 or her cell at 501-504-3077. If Stephanie is not available, call Gabriel Hernandez at 936-240-8641.

Commercial Energy Efficiency: Top 5 Upgrades That Pay for Themselves

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Reducing operational costs is a priority for any business, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by investing in energy-efficient upgrades. Not only do these upgrades lower your energy bills, but they also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business model. Here are the top five energy efficiency upgrades that pay for themselves through substantial savings and quick payback periods.

1. LED Lighting

Switching from traditional lighting to LED lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades any business can make. LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, last significantly longer, and emit less heat, which can also reduce cooling costs.

  • Cost: While initial installation costs can vary, replacing traditional lighting in a small office can cost around $1,000–$3,000.
  • Estimated Savings: LEDs can reduce lighting energy costs by up to 50–75%, resulting in savings of around $500–$1,500 annually for a small business.
  • Payback Period: Approximately 1–3 years.

Bonus: Many utility companies offer rebates for LED lighting upgrades, further reducing the payback period.

2. Smart Thermostats

Heating and cooling account for a substantial portion of a commercial building’s energy usage. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on occupancy, reducing energy waste when spaces are unoccupied. Many smart thermostats can also be monitored and controlled remotely, giving business owners greater control over energy use.

  • Cost: Smart thermostat installation typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
  • Estimated Savings: Businesses can save around 10–15% on heating and cooling costs, translating to $300–$800 annually for a small office.
  • Payback Period: 1–2 years.

Tip: Combining smart thermostats with programmable schedules can further optimize energy use and increase savings.

3. Energy Management Systems (EMS)

An Energy Management System (EMS) allows businesses to monitor, control, and optimize their energy usage across multiple systems, from lighting to HVAC. EMS provides data-driven insights that reveal patterns of energy waste and areas where consumption can be reduced, making it easier to manage energy costs effectively.

  • Cost: Depending on the size and functionality, installing an EMS can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.
  • Estimated Savings: An EMS can reduce energy consumption by 10–30%, saving a medium-sized business between $1,500 and $5,000 annually.
  • Payback Period: 2–5 years, depending on the scale of implementation and usage patterns.

Long-Term Benefit: EMS systems not only offer immediate savings but also enable ongoing optimizations, providing continuous returns on your investment.

4. Efficient HVAC Systems

Older HVAC systems can be a major source of energy inefficiency in commercial buildings. Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system reduces energy consumption, enhances indoor air quality, and minimizes maintenance costs.

  • Cost: The cost of a new HVAC system varies greatly, with small systems starting around $3,000 and larger commercial systems reaching up to $50,000.
  • Estimated Savings: New, efficient HVAC systems can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20–40%, translating to potential savings of $1,000–$5,000 per year.
  • Payback Period: 3–7 years.

Tip: Regular HVAC maintenance can prolong system life and efficiency, further enhancing your savings.

5. Insulation and Window Upgrades

Improving insulation and upgrading to energy-efficient windows can dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing heat transfer. Well-insulated buildings retain heat during winter and keep out the heat during summer, reducing the load on HVAC systems.

  • Cost: Insulation upgrades can range from $1,000 to $5,000, while high-efficiency windows cost around $500 to $1,000 each.
  • Estimated Savings: Proper insulation and windows can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 30%, resulting in annual savings of $800–$2,500 for small to medium businesses.
  • Payback Period: 3–5 years.

Environmental Benefit: These upgrades not only reduce energy costs but also contribute to a smaller carbon footprint by lowering overall energy consumption.

Additional Savings Tip: Switch to a Competitive Energy Provider

In addition to making these upgrades, switching to a competitive energy provider that Amerigy Energy can help you find, can amplify your savings. By securing a lower rate through Amerigy, your business can maximize the financial benefits of these energy-efficient improvements. Our fixed-rate plans also help to protect your budget from market volatility, providing predictable costs that make it easier to see the returns on your energy efficiency investments.

Ready to Save on Energy Costs?

By investing in these top five energy efficiency upgrades, your business can achieve significant savings, reduce its environmental impact, and improve its bottom line. Contact Amerigy Energy today to learn more about optimizing your energy plan and maximizing savings through efficiency improvements at 877-631-8875.

This article is part of a regular weekly column provided by Amerigy Energy, your trusted partner for residential and commercial energy solutions across Texas.

Roadrunners Power Past Strength ‘N Motion in Season Opener

By
Gary Stallard
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Five AC Players Reach Double Figures in Win

The early part of a basketball season features a “mix and match” approach from the coaching staff, as teams strive to identify which players can do what when the bright lights start shining.

In Saturday’s season-opening win, Angelina College head coach J.J. Montgomery made sure every available player had the opportunity to show what he can bring to the team.

The Roadrunners got double-figure scoring from five different players on the way to a 94-55 win over Strength ‘N Motion at Shands Gymnasium.

Freshman Qasim Boyd led the ‘Runners with 16 points and four steals, while Jordan Mathews (14 points), Kanaan Holder (13 points), and Kyle Morgan and Milton Rice III (10 points each) all reached double figures. 

Angelina College’s Jordan Mathews (24) hits a layup during Saturday’s game against Strength ‘N Motion. The Roadrunners powered through to a 94-55 win in the season opener at Shands Gymnasium. (Clara Sonet photo for AC Athletics)
Angelina College’s Kanaan Holder (20) flips the nets on a dunk during Saturday’s game against Strength ‘N Motion. The Roadrunners powered through to a 94-55 win in the season opener at Shands Gymnasium. (Clara Sonet photo for AC Athletics)

Chris Carpenter added five assists in the win. 

Boyd was 4-for-5 from the field and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line, and Christian Jones hit both of his three-point attempts. The ‘Runners finished with nine treys, with Morgan, Holder, and Rice drilling two each.

Christian Jones (24) of Angelina College drives around a defender during Saturday’s game against Strength ‘N Motion. The Roadrunners powered through to a 94-55 win in the season opener at Shands Gymnasium. (Clara Sonet photo for AC Athletics)

The Roadrunners will host Dallas College-Eastfield at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium.

Commissioners Approve Projects for District

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Texas Transportation Commissioners on Thursday approved more than $1 billion in new construction projects statewide, with more than $15 million earmarked for the Lufkin District.

Houston County was approved for a $13.1 million construction project that will resurface SL 304 in Crockett from just east of SH 21 to just west of SH 19. Texas Materials Group, Inc., Cedar Park Tx, will serve as the contractor. No timeline for completion has been set.

Shelby County was awarded $2 million that will be used to replace the bridge on CR 3012 at the tributary of Prairie Creek, CR 4054 at West Creek, and CR 4098 at Blackwater Creek. In addition, the project includes the replacement of a bridge in Nacogdoches County on CR 905 at Beech Creek. THK Construction LLC, Longview Tx, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

Pre-construction meetings will be held prior to these projects beginning. Signage will be installed announcing the impending work. Motorists should stay alert near the work zones and obey all traffic control once work begins.

Commissioners also approved $162,000 for the Center Municipal Airport in Shelby County that will be used to replace the airport’s automated weather system. A local share of $18,000 will be added to total a $180,000 contract.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Workplace Safety Training (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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In today’s fast-paced world, situational awareness and verbal de-escalation are essential skills. Join us as Chris Powell, with Arcuri Group, presents an introductory overview on perceiving, comprehending, and predicting events in our environment—helping prevent volatile situations before they escalate.

These skills can make a real difference in business, public service, or any field. Don’t miss out on this vital learning opportunity with Chamber University!

Thank you to our sponsors: Lufkin Economic Development Corporation, Etech, and the Arcuri Group.

Date: November 6
Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
Location: Chamber Office
Cost:Investor: $30 | Non-Investor: $40
Register online: bit.ly/CU-1124

Texas A&M Forest Service Celebrates Texas Arbor Day with School Presentations, Over 10,000 Trees Given Away

By
Lee Allen Miller
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas —Texas A&M Forest Service foresters and staff celebrated Texas Arbor Day today with school presentations, tree plantings, and tree giveaways across the state.

Over 10,100 tree seedlings were given to students and community members throughout the day.

More than 70 Texas A&M Forest Service employees made Texas Arbor Day presentations at 31 schools and organizations. The presentations reached more than 6,900 students at campuses in Baytown, Chilton, Copperas Cove, Dallas, El Paso, Gladewater, Killeen, Laguna Vista, Longview, Marshall, Manvel, Mesquite, Mexia, Moulton, Palacios, Palestine, San Antonio, San Benito, Stonewall, Tyler, and Waco.

“Texas Arbor Day is a special day to celebrate trees and the benefits they provide, benefits like clean air, clean water, cooler temperatures, and even improved health,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Interim Management Chief. “What better place to talk about the importance and value of trees than with the next generation of stewards.”

Along with presentations, Texas A&M Forest Service staff planted 3-gallon-sized trees on school campuses and gave students over 7,000 bur oak, chinkapin oak, escarpment oak, overcup oak, Afghan pine, and loblolly pine seedlings.

The presentations, customized to the students’ grade levels, explained the life cycle of trees, the many benefits trees provide humans and our economy and the history of Texas Arbor Day.

Mac Martin, Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Leader, said Texas Arbor Day is about more than planting trees, it serves as a reminder that our lives are connected to forests and the trees around us.

“Trees and forests are integral to the daily lives and values of all Texans. They influence everything from our health and the economy to culture and recreation,” said Martin. “We protect what we cherish, and we can only cherish what we understand. By sharing conservation and tree education with schools and students throughout the state, we are cultivating a brighter future for both our forests and the residents of Texas.”

Separately, over 2,400 Shumard oak, live oak, escarpment oak, Mexican white oak, southern red oak and bur oak seedlings were given away to community members across the state at 21 Texas A&M Forest Service offices.

In Dallas, 600 mature trees were planted at the Great Trinity Forest Gateway Park and Horse Trail in a Green Futures corporate sustainability partnership coordinated by Texas A&M Forest Service.

The tree-planting project is an effort to address the impacts of the emerald ash borer (EAB) pest affecting the greater Dallas area and Great Trinity Forest. EAB is a highly invasive pest that specifically targets ash trees, causing significant damage and often leading to tree mortality. In the Great Trinity Forest, ash trees comprise a significant percentage of the forest’s canopy. By introducing a wider variety of native trees, the project aims to strengthen the forest ecosystem, mitigate flooding at the park, and improve water quality in the nearby Trinity River.

The project is sponsored by PepsiCo and was made possible with partners from the Texas Conservation Alliance, Trinity-Blacklands Urban Forestry Council, and City of Dallas Drinking Water Utility.

Each year, Texas celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday of November, increasing awareness of the benefits and value of trees. This year’s theme is Treet Texas Well.

Texas Arbor Day partners include the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

For details about the history of Arbor Day in Texas, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/arborday.

For Texas Arbor Day photos, visit https://agrilife.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00004ctr0uNLkTQ/G0000Rpd8MU7x8m0/Texas-Arbor-Day-2024.

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