Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville’s Multimodal Transportation Department is a recent recipient of a $5,000 grant, from Texan by Nature in partnership with H-E-B, to plant trees in Brownsville. The grant is part of the retailer’s Trees for Texans program, a year-round initiative dedicated to planting native trees and supporting environmental sustainability across the state.
The Trees for Texans program is aimed at fostering healthier environments for communities, schools, and future generations through the planting of native trees. This initiative beautifies the local landscape and provides vital hands-on conservation opportunities. By partnering with local nonprofits and municipalities, the program engages community volunteers in meaningful environmental stewardship.
“This generous grant from Texan by Nature and H-E-B is a testament to the power of community and corporate partnership in enhancing our City’s natural beauty and sustainability,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “Planting trees is more than an aesthetic enhancement; it’s a commitment to our future and the well-being of our citizens.”
Since receiving the grant, the City’s Engineering and Public Works City Forester’s Office has purchased more than 30 trees, which will be planted along the West Rail Trail, near Madrid Street. The asphalt trail covers approximately seven miles between Palm Boulevard and the 77 Flea Market in North Brownsville. Trees purchased include Live Oak, Texas Mountain Laurel, Monterrey/Mexican White Oak, Cedar Elm, Texas Persimmons/Chapote, Anacua, Western Soapberry, Ebony, Huisache, and Coma Del Sur.
“We are thrilled to see the West Rail Trail in Brownsville continue to transform into a greener, more vibrant space for everyone to enjoy,” said Hunter Lohse, City Forester. “With the support of this grant, we are excited to plant new trees along the trail, providing shade, beauty and a habitat for wildlife and a natural space for our community to gather. These trees will grow alongside our community and stand as a symbol of our dedication to environmental stewardship.”
The trail, built largely through grants, is a joint venture of the City of Brownsville, Cameron County and community group Friends of the Trail.The City of Brownsville thanks Texan by Nature and H-E-B for their support and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the Trees for Texans program. Together, the seeds for a greener, more sustainable fu
