New Braunfels Community Arbor Day is set for Saturday, October 21st, from 9am until 12pm, and will feature a special dedication ceremony at 11am naming Founder’s Oak an official Comanche Council Oak.
Community Arbor Day will be held along Playground Drive in Landa Park featuring activities for kids, information booths related to native plants, recycling, and watershed development, as well as giveaways, including the popular free tree giveaway. More than 300 one-gallon trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, with only one tree allowed per household.
This year’s event will also feature a Comanche Nation Marker Tree Dedication Ceremony at Founders’ Oak at 11am. New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz will be joined by Steve Houser from the Texas Historic Tree Coalition for this ceremony detailing this special designation for Founders’ Oak. Comanche Marker Trees must be at least 150 years old and have been used by traveling Comanches to indicate directions towards important points like natural springs, low-water crossings, or high-signaling points.
“Having Founders’ Oak in Landa Park formally recognized as a Comanche Council Oak is very exciting because that designation is so rare,” said New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz. “Not only is there specific criteria for the age and shape of the tree, but there also has to be reliable evidence of a direct relationship between American Indians and the tree.”
The City of New Braunfels has been part of the Tree City USA program for 35 years, the 7th longest tenure of any city in the state of Texas. Members of Tree City USA have all committed to protecting trees in their community, both economically and administratively with community tree ordinances and a division within the Parks Department dedicated solely to the maintenance and preservation of the city’s trees. Additionally, New Braunfels is home to the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum, a 1.25-mile walking trail in Landa Park that features over 80 species of trees, making it one of the most diverse arboretums in Texas. To learn more, log on to www.newbraunfels.gov/arboretum.
Residents are encouraged to attend both the Community Arbor Day event and the tree dedication ceremony. Again, Community Arbor Day is from 9am to 12pm along Playground Drive and the Comanche Council Oak Dedication Ceremony will be held at 11am in front of Founder’s Oak.