By now we are well aware of the significance of trees in our lives.
Which is why we are excited to announce that Pease Park Conservancy recently acquired a grant as part of the APACHE Corporation Tree Grant Program in the form of… trees!
This award winning environmental stewardship initiative has donated over 4.8 million trees to 900+ nonprofits, government agencies, municipalities, wildlife refuges, and communities all over the United States in an effort to leave a lasting positive impact for current and future generations.
PPC Board Members and their families planting trees from the APACHE Corporation Tree Grant in Live Oak Meadow.
Pease Park Conservancy, in tandem with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department and the Parks and Recreation Department continues to bolster the resiliency of the urban forest within Pease Park. Through this grant, Pease Park Conservancy was able to acquire and plant 50, 5-gallon trees to further implement large-scale conservation, habitat protection, restoration and enhancement efforts within the 84-acre public green space. All of these trees were planted in Live Oak Meadow as a component of the ongoing work between the Conservancy and city departments to replace trees that were lost in the severe drought earlier this year to further mitigate flooding and prevent further trail erosion.
By planting these younger trees the forest develops diversity among the ages of its trees increasing overall forest health and the chances of survival for the forest if it experiences any detrimental occurrences. If older trees are damaged or wiped out, the younger trees will be able to take over the newly open roles within the canopy.
These trees were planted within the gaps of the urban forest in Live Oak Meadow, as they provide ample sunlight and are excellent spots for younger trees to develop. While they become accustomed to their new homes, Pease Park Conservancy will facilitate weekly watering efforts for a minimum of 6 months. Supplemental watering will take place through periods of drought as they continue to become more severe and prevalent. In doing so we increase the trees’ chances of establishment and development.