300 new trees coming to Galveston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Turning Over a New Leaf: Galveston’s Push
to Rebuild, Recover, and … Replant!
Galveston, Texas
March 16, 2009
Ike certainly dealt the Island a blow, but with spring in the air the City of Galveston is
taking steps to replace many of the trees and plants that were damaged by the hurricane’s
salty tidal surge. On Saturday, March 28th, volunteers will plant nearly 300 trees
throughout the Island. Working closely with the Texas Forestry Service, Texas
Department of Transportation, and the National Arbor Day Foundation, the City has
organized this reforestation effort to replant trees in the esplanades along Broadway and
25th Street as well as within in several city parks.
Hurricane Ike’s fury uprooted 32 of the historic live oaks that line Galveston’s main
streets. Since last September, City officials have worked closely with the Texas Forest
Service and Texas A&M University to save the remaining trees along the grand
esplanades. Nearly 100 years old, these oaks were planted after the 1900 Storm as an
integral part of the Island’s original reforestation. They are contributing features to
Galveston’s historic landscape.
In addition, the National Arbor Day Foundation has donated 5,000 seedlings for residents
to plant on their properties! The main seedling distribution point will be Ball High
School, 4115 Avenue O. City officials will be handing out seedlings in conjunction with
the Galveston Community Recovery Committee’s last public open house meeting. The
seedlings will be given away on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The City wishes to thank the many sponsors who made this event possible: Texas
Forestry Service; Texas Department of Transportation; City of Galveston; Texas A&M
University at Galveston; Clean Galveston; Keep Houston Beautiful; Houston Galveston
Area Council (H-GAC); National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF); Houston Area Urban
Forestry Council (HAUFC); International Society of Arboriculture - Texas Chapter (ISAT);
Apache Oil; Rodeo Houston; Boyer; and Christison Landscape.
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Press Release
For information:
Alicia Cahill
Public Information Officer
(409) 797-3546
cahillali@cityofgalveston.org
This release is also located on the City of
Galveston’s website under the News heading.
Please visit www.cityofgalveston.org