The City of Houston and its partners planted and mulched over 1,000 native trees on Saturday, January 27 at Wilson Memorial Park from 8:30 to noon as part of the grand celebration of the 38th annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration. This remarkable event not only showcased Houston’s unwavering dedication to environmental activism but also received an illustrious proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, designating January 27th as Houston’s Arbor Day. The proclamation serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of this occasion.
Houston has been steadfast over the past few decades to grow its urban forest and has fervently devoted itself to the growth of its urban forest, recognizing the invaluable environmental and quality of life benefits that trees bestow upon the city and its residents. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, help reduce flooding by absorbing rainfall, and lower city temperatures by providing shade. Studies have also shown that trees can boost mental health and reduce stress.
This morning we were at Wilson Memorial Park for our 38th Annual Arbor Day Celebration, where volunteers helped us plant over a thousand trees. We thank @APA_Corp, Accenture, @TXForestService, and everyone who came out to help expand Houston's urban forest. pic.twitter.com/a1aK3qTxdv
— HPARD (@HPARD) January 27, 2024
Volunteers of all ages came out for the tree planting event, from young families to retirees. Working alongside staff from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and its Director Kenneth Allen, the planting began following the 9 a.m. ceremony with trees that were donated by Apache Corporation. The partners for the event included the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), the Apache Corporation, Accenture, and the Texas A&M Forest Service.
It was great to see Councilwoman @salliealcorn, Councilman Fred Flickinger, and Mayor's assistant @luiscivallero, along with many other Houstonians who came to make a positive difference in our city. pic.twitter.com/TFH2JWoi8g
— Samir Becic (@SamirBecic) January 27, 2024
Houston City Councilmembers Sallie Alcorn and Fred Flickinger, and Mayor Whitmire’s assistant Luis Civallero were present to inaugurate the planting and express gratitude to the volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the city’s urban forest. Samir Becic, Houston’s official Fitness Czar, enthusiastically joined the event, actively assisting in the tree-planting activities. He formed a dynamic team with Luis Civallero, Mayor Whitmire’s assistant, to plant numerous trees. The collective efforts of the volunteers will significantly enhance the environment to visitors to Wilson Memorial Park. Houston’s ongoing commitment to becoming a greener and more sustainable city is a testament to the remarkable community engagement witnessed during events like the annual Arbor Day celebration.
