Two-minute impact
A Tale of Two Bridges was founded by Heights resident Emmanuel Nunez in 2022 with the goal of making neighborhoods more walkable and connected. Its name is derived from past advocacy to build two new bridges over White Oak Bayou for pedestrians and cyclists that use the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and the White Oak Bayou Trail.
Now, Nunez is looking to use the group for a new tree-planting effort that would add roughly 200 trees along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail between Lawrence and Yale streets, an area he said lacks sufficient shade.
The details
As of Sept. 16, the group has already raised $6,340 of its $10,000 goal, according to the ATOTB website. Nunez said the idea is to use the $10,000 to bring in an additional $5,000 in the form of a matching grant from the city of Houston Department of Neighborhoods.
City permits have already been secured for the planting of 203 trees in the target area. Plans involve planting:
- 39 five-gallon trees, 16 10-gallon trees and nine 15-gallon trees between Lawrence and Waverly streets
- 50 five-gallon trees, 24 10-gallon trees and 10 15-gallon trees between Waverly and Rutland streets
- 33 five-gallon trees, 14 10-gallon trees and eight 15-gallon trees between Rutland and Yale streets
The Heights Hike and Bike Trail, also known as the MKT Trail, connects parts of the White Oak Bayou Trail to Heights neighborhoods, including Donovan Park, Lawrence Park and Stude Park before running south of I-10 toward the Buffalo Bayou confluence.
ATOTB will partner with Trees for Houston and Livelihood and the tree planting effort, which will culminate with a community planting day on Jan. 25, 2025, according to a Sept. 3 news release. Prior to the planting day, an invasive species cleanup will take place in the area Jan. 11.
What they're saying
“Our mission goes beyond just planting trees,” Nunez said in a statement. “We want to show the community that with a little determination and the right partnerships, it’s possible to create lasting, positive change in our neighborhoods. These 200 trees provide shade and beauty while serving as a living testament to what can be achieved when people come together.”
Moving forward
The preliminary grant application to the Department of Neighborhoods has received support from District C Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin. In addition to purchasing the trees, the $15,000 will also cover watering and caring for them for two years, according to the release.
Nunez said he hopes to partner with local businesses homeowners to establish an irrigation system, and Trees for Houston will water trees not covered by that system. Businesses can sponsor the effort for $2,500, which includes recognition in project communications and promotional materials.
Get involved
Funds are being raised through several avenues, including GoFundMe and PayPal.
