COLLEGE STATION, Texas—On Saturday, Nov. 9, Texas A&M Forest Service planted over 150 trees at Morris Frank Park Wetlands in Lufkin. During the event, 280 saplings were also distributed to community members.
This tree planting event was in collaboration with ReForest Lufkin, a community tree planting initiative co-led by Texas A&M Forest Service Green Futures, a corporate sustainability partnership initiative. This event marks a significant milestone for the city of Lufkin as it celebrates its 35th year attaining Tree City USA recognition and its first Growth Award for urban forestry developments.
The location of the tree planting was specifically designed to help reforest the wetland area of the park to aid in stormwater runoff, build resiliency in community tree canopy through highlighting biodiversity, increase percolation of water into the soil, improve wildlife habitat and offer a relaxing greenspace for community members to enjoy.
“We couldn’t have accomplished this historic event without the leadership and support of the community,” said Morgan Abbott, Texas A&M Forest Service Partnership Coordinator. “By organizing, planting and caring for these trees, Lufkin has made a multigenerational promise to bring the economic, environmental, social and spiritual benefits of trees to the community.”
Local organizations and individuals have donated to this initiative and helped plant trees at this event, including Angelina Beautiful Clean, Caddo Sustainable Timberlands, City of Lufkin, Texas Conservation Alliance, Texas Forestry Association, Rayonier, RoyOMartin, TC Energy, TTG Forestry Services, CoBank and community volunteers.
“Green Futures provides an innovative and collaborative opportunity for funders to give back to their communities by addressing global issues through local solutions,” said Abbott. “Large organizations are seeking to accomplish their environmental, social and governance goals, but reach a barrier to enact meaningful, mutually beneficial long-term solutions. Texas A&M Forest Service Green Futures connects funders to local non-profits and local governments to seek the most impactful tree planting sites.”
Upcoming Green Futures Plantings are scheduled in the Houston area. A tree planting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Jane Long Academy Spark Park (6501 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77074). Those interested in volunteering can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAA2BA5FBC07-52665285-tree#/
