The event is from 8am-noon Saturday behind Galveston City Hall, 823 Rosenberg, and the trees will be given out on a first-first come, first-served basis. The event, which is organized by the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, aims to replant the 40,000 destroyed by Hurricane Ike.
Residents will have the option of choosing from more than dozen species, including Overcup Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Bald Cypress, American Elm, Southern Magnolia, Deciduous Yaupon (Possumhaw), Cherry Laurel, Osage (Wild) Plum, Redbud and Live Oak.
"Live Oak is our number one survivor tree on the Island, but we also want to make sure that we build in greater resiliency and diversity into our tree canopy," stated Priscilla Files, the Conservancy's Sr. Arborist.
Residents can also take home two five-gallon shade trees of popular species such as Wax Myrtle, a Texas native that attracts migratory birds and is an excellent tree for small yards.
To qualify, residents should bring a utility or water bill to identify the island address where the trees will be planted. The first 1,500 trees claimed by residents will be accompanied by a voucher for a free bag of topsoil/compost generously donated by Tom's Thumb Nursery.
For more information, call 409-599–6357.
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