Lunch and Learn: Trees for Houston History Earth Month

Thursday, April 16 • Noon The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street HTX 77002 Celebrating Earth Month

This Earth Month, The Heritage Society welcomes Barry Ward, Executive Director of Trees for Houston, for a special Lunch & Learn on the power of urban forestry and community-driven environmental action. Ward will share insights from his decades of nonprofit leadership and discuss how tree planting transforms neighborhoods, improves public health, and builds climate resilience across Houston.

Trees for Houston has planted over 700,000 trees since its founding, creating shade, beauty, and cleaner air for generations of Houstonians. Barry Ward’s leadership has expanded the organization’s reach, deepened its partnerships, and brought environmental equity to underserved communities.

This program offers an in-depth look at:

• The environmental and civic impact of tree planting
• How Trees for Houston engages schools, neighborhoods, and city leaders
• The role of urban forestry in climate resilience and public health
• Ways Houstonians can take action this Earth Month

By spotlighting this work, the event celebrates Houston’s green future and the local leaders making it possible.

Barry Ward is Executive Director of Trees for Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to planting and protecting trees throughout the region. Under his leadership, the organization has grown dramatically, expanding its programs to include school campuses, parks, esplanades, and underserved neighborhoods. Ward’s work reflects a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, civic engagement, and the belief that every tree planted is an investment in Houston’s future. Trees for Houston planted their 1,000,000 tree at Sam Houston Park at the begging of the year. We also learned that Ward worked at The Heritage Society at the beginning of his career!

Admission: Free for members and $10 for non-members (open to the public)

Guests are welcome to bring their lunch or order a gourmet boxed lunch for $13.

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Host or Publisher The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park