As we approach the new year, many of us make resolutions to improve our lives from the previous year. 2017 comes with a lot of uncertainty, but all of us can decide to make a difference for the betterment of our community. The future is in our hands and there are many things we can do to improve our environment for future generations. NATiVE will continue it’s mission of leading the way to a sustainable future through the deployment of renewable energy and green building. We also contribute to our local community through volunteer efforts. NATiVE has most recently volunteered for TreeFolks, helping with their Reforestation Program on the Blanco River.

Back on May 23, 2015, extreme rainfall caused a 40 foot wall of water to rush down the Blanco River. It destroyed many homes, affected many lives, and unrooted 500 year old cypress trees. The force of the waters carved out the banks of soil, smashed trees, and forced wildlife to relocate.

In September of 2015 TreeFolks, working with Hays County, private landowners, and other stakeholders, developed the Blanco River Reforestation Project to accelerate the recovery of the riverside forest. Reforestation is necessary because the trees, shrubs, and grasses along the riverbank help filter pollutants, slow flooding, shade the river, and provide habitat for the wildlife of Central Texas.

Ecological restoration takes time, and this project will continue over several years, requiring many volunteers planting thousands of trees. Members from the NATiVE team spent a day out on the Blanco River in November planting hundreds of them. It was a wonderful experience working in the dirt on the beautiful riverbank with other volunteers from great local companies like HEB.

TreeFolks is looking for volunteers to continue planting trees in 2017. They have a plan to plant 300,000 trees along the Blanco River and need your help. There are many dates available to volunteer in the new year. Make a resolution to help our environment and give back to your community and future generations. Check out some pictures from NATiVE’s day on the Blanco below, and click the button to sign up and volunteer for many different programs with TreeFolks in 2017. Have a happy, safe, and productive 2017!