Raising Money For Austin’s Trees

Sponsored Post – from

Who doesn’t love trees? They give us shade, fresh air, beauty, and a solid base for a good rope swing into Barton Creek. But as much as Austin loves trees, it’s a constant effort to keep them healthy and strong.

That’s why TreeFolks (a local nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees) announced the launch of two new programs at a press conference with Council Member Alison Alter earlier this week.

The two new programs are:

– this pilot program provides low-income Austin residents with expert assessment, removal, and replacement of hazardous trees at no charge. According to TreeFolks, the drought of 2011 weakened the Central Texas tree canopy, stressing some trees and causes limbs to drop or their trunks to lean (potentially threatening property).

“Removing problem trees safely can be prohibitively expensive for some of our residents,” .  “The Remove and Replace program is a great example of how environmental and affordability efforts can work together to keep Austin’s urban forest safe and beautiful while also helping people stay in their homes.”

– this program hires and trains high school students to care for trees in Austin parks over the summer (which is traditionally a hard time for trees). Students will earn a $350 stipend to water saplings and test water quality one day per week and will also have access to adventure programming, including swimming, kayaking, and camping.

Want to support this program? TreeFolks is currently running a campaign to raise $10,000 to purchase a watering rig for students to water trees over the summer. All you have to do to participate is post a video of yourself watering a tree on Facebook with the hashtag #makeasplash, . And don’t forget to tag your other tree-loving friends!

Looking for even more ways to support TreeFolks?
Several local businesses are hosting fundraisers for TreeFolks throughout Earth Month, including:

• – 25 percent from sales of Mozart’s Blend Whole Bean Fair Trade Organic Coffee will be donated to TreeFolks. The promotion ends April 26th.
• – 22 percent of the week’s sales from this south Austin granola food truck will be donated to TreeFolks.
• – Early morning yoga at Sa-Ten on Springdale Road on Sunday, April 22nd at 10:30am. A $5 donation is suggested per person.
• Earth Day Yoga at Eden East – Sunday, April 22nd from 11:30am to 1pm
• Vista Brewing – Sunday, April 22nd from 11am to 2pm
• Songs for the Trees Fundraiser – Lemon Lounge on Saturday, April 28th from 6pm to 9pm