Houma Thibodaux News

The Terrebonne Parish Tree Board has announced the upcoming 18th Annual Tree Giveaway, which will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. at the Main Branch Library in Houma, LA. This year's giveaway promises to be a great opportunity for residents to enhance their surroundings with the distribution of 328 trees in 1-gallon containers and 1,500 seedlings.

Among the trees that will be available for distribution are 104 Nuttall Oak, 64 Pecan, 45 Yellow Poplar, 75 Persimmon, 20 Red Mulberry, and 20 American Beautyberry. In addition, attendees will have the chance to acquire seedlings such as Bald Cypress, Red Maple Drummond, Beautyberry, Live Oak, and Willow Oak. The Tree Board is excited to offer this wide selection of native Louisiana species, allowing residents to choose the right tree for their surroundings.

It is important to note that this event is exclusively for Terrebonne Parish residents. Each household will be limited to two trees. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the actual giveaway will commence at 9 a.m. The Tree Board is committed to ensuring that the distribution process runs smoothly.

The success of the Tree Giveaway program is made possible by the generous grant received from the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program. The Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program provides the bareroot seedlings, while the container trees are purchased by the Tree Board from the Nicholls State/BTNEP Tree Farm. With their support, Terrebonne Parish residents can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being surrounded by healthy, lush trees.

To assist residents in making the best possible tree selection, the event will be staffed by the LaTerre Master Gardeners, LSU AgCenter, and members of the Parish Tree Board. These knowledgeable individuals will guide residents in choosing the ideal tree and provide instructions on proper planting and tree care.

The Tree Board's mission is to plant and preserve trees on Parish-owned public properties, with the aim of enhancing stormwater mitigation, air and water quality, economic development, community livability, and public appreciation of trees. Their dedication and efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

For those interested in getting involved, the Tree Board typically holds monthly meetings at TPCG's Planning and Zoning Department office. Meetings take place at 11:30 a.m. If you would like more information about the Tree Board, please visit tpcg.org/treeboard. Additionally, if you are interested in becoming a member of the board, you can access the application at tpcg.org/boardvacancies.

The 18th Annual Tree Giveaway is an exciting opportunity for Terrebonne Parish residents to enhance their surroundings with the beauty and benefits of trees. Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on your community and enjoy the numerous advantages that trees bring.