The community asked, and TRWD listened. Thanks to feedback from local residents, who asked for more shade along the trails of the Trinity River, Tarrant Regional Water District will plant trees, trees and more trees this fall, beginning on Texas Arbor Day 2025.
November 7 marks this year’s statewide celebration of the importance of trees, during the best time to plant them in Texas. On that day, TRWD invites the public to join the party as 20-plus trees will be rooted along Fort Worth’s Fourth Street Trailhead, at the lower west fork of the Trinity River. The city will gain an additional 25-plus trees the following week, on November 14, when TRWD hosts another planting event, along the recreation paths at Clearfork’s River Park Trailhead.
These initiatives are part of TRWD’s Recreation Master Plan, approved by the board in January and developed over the last two years in collaboration with the community.
“A lot of public outreach and involvement went into the plan,” said Paris Sanchez, TRWD landscape architect manager. “We asked what people wanted in their local recreation system, and overwhelmingly we heard their desire for more shade along the Trinity Trails.”
The recreational paths that run along the Trinity River – a network of more than 100 miles – are used for walking, running, biking and more. With this latest move by TRWD to translate community feedback into action, the experience of enjoying nature and activities along these trails will soon be enhanced by the shade of new trees. The plan, Sanchez said, is to start now and continue planting each year, addressing different spaces along the trails.
Texas-native or native-adapted trees will be planted, including red oak, live oak, bur oak, chinquapin oak, lacey oak, cedar and lacebark elm, bald cypress and Chinese pistache. All are compatible with the Texas climate. The trees will range from 12 to 25 ft. tall at planting. Their starting size, Sanchez said, is considered ideal for growth in the years to come.
While specifics at each location may slightly vary, it’s expected that the trees will be planted about 50 ft. apart, to provide room and good shade coverage as they grow.
TRWD will provide irrigation for the first two years to ensure they get a strong start – and the plan ensures that the trees will be planted in safe areas, far enough back so the levee systems stay protected as the trees expand roots and reach maturity.
Ideas branching out
The great part about this project, Sanchez said, is that it stems “from the citizens who told us what they wanted from the recreation system.”
“We want to provide something the community is happy with and excited about,” she added.
The District has a $25,000 annual budget to continue planting in future years; this year, Texas A&M Forestry provided a matching grant of $20,000 to support the kickoff.
Community recommendations for future planting spots are welcomed.
Get involved
Volunteers who would like to help the TRWD operations staff in this fun endeavor are encouraged to sign up early here, as spots are limited. Supplies will be provided.
The November 7 event will include a demonstration on how to plant and stake a tree, along with an interactive experience about water conservation.
“The great part is that people will have something cool to see that day when the trees go up,” Sanchez said.
“We’re hoping community members will mark their calendars to help out or just come out and have fun,” she said.
