Arbor Day in Terrebonne Parish proved to be a resounding success as nearly 100 residents gathered at the Terrebonne Parish Public Library Main Branch in Houma to receive free trees for their yards, as per this article from Houma Today. The annual event, hosted by the Terrebonne Parish Tree Board, took place on February 15 and saw the distribution of 200 trees to local households.
The giveaway, which began promptly at 9 a.m., attracted early birds eager to claim their saplings. By the time the event officially started, 38 households had already lined up in anticipation. Each family was allowed up to two trees, and in just 49 minutes, all available saplings had been claimed. This remarkable turnout underscored the community’s enthusiasm for planting and nurturing greenery in their neighborhoods. With next year marking the 20th anniversary of the event, the tree board is preparing a special celebration that will engage the public in a unique way.
Among the attendees was Megan Breaux, who attended the event with her 9-year-old daughter, Arianna. Having participated in the giveaway for the past three years, Megan expressed a fondness for planting trees and other plants to attract wildlife to her yard. She had hoped to find a buttonwood tree this year, recalling its small, ball-like flowers that birds love. Although it was not available this time, she remained excited about the options offered. The selection of trees available included five native species: Live Oak, Nuttall Oak, River Birch, Bald Cypress, and Swamp Red Maple. These species were chosen for their adaptability to the region’s climate and soil conditions.
This year marked the 19th annual Arbor Day celebration in Terrebonne Parish, and the tree board is planning a special project for the upcoming 20th anniversary. Board member Connie Bourg explained that the board is seeking photos from residents who received trees in past giveaways. Specifically, they are asking individuals who took pictures with their saplings years ago to submit updated photos showing the growth of the trees—and, in some cases, the growth of the people in the pictures as well. Bourg encouraged participants to send in these images to help create a visual collage celebrating the lasting impact of the tree giveaway.
Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Director Christopher Polaski echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how meaningful it would be to see images of children planting trees years ago, followed by updated pictures where those same children are now adults, possibly with children of their own. He remarked on the powerful symbolism of watching both trees and families grow over time.
Residents interested in contributing to this project can submit their photos through the official Terrebonne Parish Tree Board website. While the submission portal is not yet active, the website currently offers valuable information about tree care and upcoming tree board meetings, which are open to the public. Additionally, the board has two expiring term seats and one vacant position due to a recent resignation, presenting an opportunity for community members to get involved.
The success of the tree giveaway was made possible through a combination of purchases and donations. Of the 200 trees distributed, 125 were purchased by the Terrebonne Parish Tree Board, while the remaining 75 were donated by Apache Corporation. Representatives from Apache Corporation, along with Master Gardeners from the LSU Ag Center, attended the event to provide guidance on proper tree care and planting techniques.
With another successful Arbor Day event completed, the Terrebonne Parish Tree Board looks ahead to its milestone 20th anniversary next year. By engaging the community through a special photo project and continuing to promote environmental stewardship, the board hopes to inspire even more residents to participate in future tree giveaways and contribute to the area’s green landscape.
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