Reforest Lufkin initiative aims to improve recreational areas in city

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – Reforest Lufkin is an initiative that is focusing on tree planting, conservation and beautification.

“Just because we have trees all around us doesn’t mean that we don’t have areas that need to be reforested here in East Texas,” Kelly Shrout, executive director for Angelina Beautiful Clean, said.

Their first project involves improvements to the Morris Frank Park Wetlands.

“There’s a small wetland area, a pier, and some seating areas. “I think all the things we were doing at Morris Frank Park, all the renovations that are going on and to come inside the wetlands area that was currently here was exciting,” Buddy Timme, the director of Lufkin Parks and Recreation.

“Along with the biodiversity that’s out here, the plants and the animals that rely on this. It’s important to keep these areas up because these actually are what mitigate some of the storm water issues that we have, some of the flooding issues,” arborist Ben Miller, who is also the vice chair for Angelina Beautiful Clean, said.

They plan to trim and prune the current vegetation and make repairs to the pavilion, pier and amphitheater. November 9 at 10 am, they will plant 150 trees in the wetland area. An event that is open to the public. They are asking for volunteers to help.

“We’re planting trees that are not only native to East Texas, native to Angelina County but trees that are acclimated to this site and can increase the biodiversity of this site. Not only in vegetation but the animals that use this,” Miller said.

Increasing biodiversity in the area is just one outcome they are hoping to achieve. They plan to fulfill other goals with their plans.

“If we can educate young people about the importance of taking care of our environment, including tree plantings, then we’ve done our job. Another goal is to just beautify this area so families can enjoy our parks and the resources we have in this area,” Shrout said.

Reforest Lufkin has a 5-year plan that will be finished in phases. During that time they will make improvements throughout the city and educate people on environmental conservation.

Two of their upcoming events are lecture sessions that are open to the public at no cost. The first one is September 10 at 5:30 pm on climate resilient trees in the 21st century. The second is September 24 at 5:30 pm on birdlife in the Pineywoods eco-region.

Both will be at the Texas Forestry Association, located at 1903 Atkinson’s Dr. in Lufkin.

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