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Austin proclaims TreeFolks Day as nonprofit touts millions of trees and volunteer program
Summary
Council recognized TreeFolks and read a proclamation noting the group's claim of planting over 3,000,000 trees in Central Texas, distribution of 9,000 free trees this year, and production of 33,000 native saplings in 2025; TreeFolks highlighted partnerships with Austin agencies.
A council member emphasized preserving Austin’s tree canopy and presented a proclamation recognizing TreeFolks’ long-term urban forestry work. "They've actually been around for decades and have planted over 3,000,000 trees in our region," the council member said, introducing TreeFolks executive director Andrew Smiley to accept the recognition.
Andrew Smiley thanked the city for support and listed city partners including Austin Water, Austin Energy, the Climate and Resilience Office, the parks department and urban forestry. Smiley encouraged public participation in TreeFolks programs—planting events, the Seeds to Trees native nursery, and floodplain restoration partnerships.
The proclamation read by the council noted TreeFolks’ founding in 1989, a claim of more than 3,000,000 trees planted in Central Texas, a plan to distribute 9,000 free trees to residents in the current year, production of over 33,000 native saplings in 2025 and engagement of more than 2,700 volunteers annually; it also tied TreeFolks’ work to the city’s shared goal of 50% tree canopy by 2050. The ceremony was ceremonial and no new funding or ordinance was announced.
