Texas Forestry Association to Give Away Seedlings in Austin

LUFKIN, TEXAS – The public is invited to join Texas Forestry Association as the trade association gives away thousands of hardwood seedlings on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, from 8:30 am to noon, or while supplies last, at the William B Travis Building at 1701 N Congress Ave in Austin, Texas.

Seedlings available for the public will include Eastern Red Oak, Southern Crabapple, Bald Cypress, Bur Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Live Oak, Shumard Oak, Pecan and Black Walnut.

Texas Forestry Association’s membership began the program to increase public awareness of the tree planting efforts which take place each winter in the forested regions of the state. This will be the 13th legislative session in which Texas Forestry Association will deliver the forestry message to Austin residents by distributing the seedlings.

“With nearly 12 million acres of commercial forest land, the forests of East Texas provide a total economic impact of more than $30.3 billion, up $3 billion from just two years ago, making timber a valuable agricultural commodity statewide,” said Ron Hufford, Executive Vice President of Texas Forestry Association. “The number of jobs generated by the forests has also risen, with more than 130,000 jobs for Texans, and the timber industry manufactures more than 5,000 products we enjoy every day.”

Each year, approximately 100 million seedlings are planted in Texas. “This illustrates the desire of private landowners and the Texas Forest Sector to maintain sustainable forests for future generations,” Hufford said.

ArborGen’s Richard O. Barham Nursery near Bullard, Texas is providing the seedlings for the giveaway.