San Antonio Botanical Garden is launching a collaborative conservation initiative that is designed to restore and protect native plants and riverbed trees devastated by the July flooding across the Texas Hill Country.

In a nutshell

According to a news release, the initiative is known as Texas Recovery for Ecological and Environmental Stability Initiative, or TREES. The project seeks to rehabilitate native habitats in need of restoration while partnering with community organizations, public and private landowners and environmental experts.

The Botanical Garden will work with local partners to preserve critical ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and provide research and education opportunities to help communities connect with the natural environment.

Initiative community partners include:

• City of Austin
• City of Kerrville
• Habitat Select Nursery
• Hill Country Alliance
• Hill Country Conservancy
• International Society of Arboriculture of Texas
• Kerr County Water Alliance
• Mosty Brothers Nursery
• Native Plant Society of Texas
• Riverside Nature Center
• Schreiner University
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Tree Folks
• Patrick Kirwin and aquatic plant ecologist Casey Williams

According to a news release, these partners provide expertise in plant habitat restoration, ecological research, native plant propagation and environmental education.

Additionally, San Antonio Botanical Garden is extending an open call to conservation organizations, academic institutions, businesses and community partners that are interested in becoming involved in restoration efforts that will start as early as this month.

Quote of note

“This project represents the next chapter in the Garden’s plant conservation journey, one that prioritizes protecting Texas’ unique ecosystems,” said Katherine Trumble, president and CEO of San Antonio Botanical Garden. “Together, we can help preserve our natural landscapes that will last for generations to come.”