ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — A nonprofit organization is helping Orange County regrow it's tree population after natural disasters have ravaged the county.
While it's been a quiet hurricane season this year, areas like Orange County have been hit hard in the past.
On Saturday Southeast Texas volunteers, will work with 'RETREET', a nonprofit that is part of 'Keep America Beautiful', to replant trees that were lost.
Dow Sabine River operations brought the idea to Southeast Texas and contacted RETREET to do the tree planting.
Homes around Orange County will have trees planted November 4, 2023. This is in the effort to keep the natural beauty of the county alive for the next generations to experience.
RETREET hopes they'll be able to restore parts of Orange County to it's former glory by the planting trees.
"The landscape of our community looks different after numerous natural disasters. The trees aren't where they used to be," said Dow Services Public Liaison in Orange.
RETREET's mission is to upkeep a beauty standard for the next generation to enjoy.
"We plant trees who are in recovery from tornadoes and hurricanes that have plagued the area for the past 10 years. We are here at the request of our local partners," said RETREET Founder Grady Mcgahan.
These natural disasters have destroyed a large amount of trees around the county. This is why on Saturday, volunteers will help plant 140 trees.
"Opening up our yard to bring the tree line back is awesome. I look forward to it changing the look of the area. For my kids since they are growing up, and grandkids for them to enjoy," said Chris Kovach, a volunteer.
Of the 140 trees, there are four state approved species that volunteers will plant. This includes the southern live oak, southern wax myrtle, nuttal tree, and Texas redbud.
RETREET and volunteers will need all the man power they can get.
"We are definitely still looking for volunteers to help us plant tomorrow...we will be teaching people how to plant trees we have all the tools that you will need," Mcgahan said.
If you would like to volunteer your time and help, you are invited to go to Shangri-La Botanical Gardens at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 to help plant trees.