Help Trees For Houston win $10,000!

IKEA Houston's Bring It Program

Help us win $10,000 from IKEA!
Trees For Houston is thrilled to be one of the five organizations selected to compete in the IKEA Houston BRING IT! campaign, a special recycling program that challenges Houstonians to bring to the IKEA store as many old catalogs as possible. We are helping the environment but we also have the chance to win $10,000 from IKEA as the organization that collects the most tonnage of catalogs wins $10,000!

All you have to do, is go to IKEA Houston between TODAY- Friday, August 12 and drop off any old catalogs and glossy magazines to be recycled. Please make sure you drop them in the Trees For Houston bin!

Friday Funnies 3

Riddle: How can you tell if a tree is a dogwood?
Answer: By its bark

Riddle: What do elephants and trees and in common?
Answer: They both have trunks

Riddle: How do you get close to a squirrel?
Answer: Climb in a tree and act like a nut.

Trees on the Big Screen

Here are some movies that have "Tree" in the title, revolve around a trees(s) or have significant scenes dealing with trees. Thought this would be interesting to post to show that trees can make an impact even on the big screen! These are just a few that I found or came to mind when thinking of movies with trees in them. Hope you enjoy!

The Tree of Life (2011) - Stars Brad Pitt and 2 time Oscar winner Sean Penn.  It's a story about a family with 3 boys in the 50's.I have not seen this film, although I really want to, but it received great reviews!

The Family Tree (2010) - It's a story about a mother and wife stricken with memory loss allows a dysfunctional family a second chance at harmony and happiness. (source IMDB) 


The Fountain (2006) - Stars Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz in an epic story of love that spans over a thousand years and 3 parallel stories. I have seen this film and it is different than most films you will see because it has 3 different settings, one which takes place when the conquistadors arrive in America, another one takes place during the present time and the last setting is in the future. Throughout the movie there is a central tree that somehow links the 3 stories together. If you are defiantly into bizarre  movies I would suggest this to you.


The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - J.R.R. Tolkien's second novel brought to life by filmmaker Peter Jackson which focuses on the struggle of Frodo and Sam to find their way to Mordor in order to destroy the Ring of Power. Meanwhile Merry and Pippin befriend a very old tree, in Frangorn Forest, who calls himself Treebeard. With the assistance of Treebeard and the other living trees, Merry and Pippin conquer Isengard. This is a great movie to watch for anybody a fan of J.R.R Tolkien's epic trilogy or a fan of fantasy films.


The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - 11 Oscars went to the final installment of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved trilogy brought to life by Peter Jackson. The story concludes Frodo and Sam's quest to destroy the One Ring and the final battle of Middle Earth will take place. The scene dealing with the White Tree of Gondor is small but significant because Pippin foresees the demise of Gondor and therefore Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Rohians can aid Gondor in the final battle. Great movie to end the trilogy. 


Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) - The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to once again help ward off an evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian (source IMDB).  In the final battle of the movie Aslan calls on the help of the trees around the battle field. The trees start to enlarge their roots and dismantle the enemies. 




   

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality drought information

Check out the link below for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's drought information.

http://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/drought

Friday Funnies 2

Two tall trees, a birch and a beech are growing in the woods. A small tree begins to grow between them. One tree says to the other: "Is that a son of a beech or a son of a birch?"

The other says he cannot tell. Just then a woodpecker lands in the sapling. The tall tree asks..."Woodpecker, you are a tree expert. Can you tell if that is a son of a beech or a son of a birch?"

The woodpecker takes a taste of the small tree. He replies: "It is neither a son of a beech nor a son of a birch. That, my friends, is the best piece of ash I have ever put my pecker in."

Carbon Foot print Calculator

Check out your carbon foot print!

http://www.americanforests.org/learn-more/carbon-calculator/

Friday Funnies 1

Q: What did the tree wear to the pool party?
A: Swimming trunks!

Q: What did the beaver say to the tree?
A: It's been nice gnawing you!

Q: Why did the leaf go to the doctor?
A: It was feeling green!

Q: What is a tree's least favorite month?
A: Sep-timber!

Q: What kind of tree can fit into your hand?
A: A palm tree!

Q: How do trees get on the internet?
A: "They ""log"" in."

Planting Trees in Your Community 2011-2012

Trees For Houston, a 28 year old non-profit organization, is on a mission to plant, protect and promote trees across the Greater Houston area. This includes your neighborhood and community, but we can’t do it alone. Our projects involve community outreach, assistance and collaboration.

As Warren Buffett once said “Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

What is a tree worth to your community?

In neighborhoods where trees are large and lush, they can improve air quality by as much as 15% during the warmest hours of the day. More trees and larger trees mean cleaner air. The benefits of a $50 tree could produce a savings of over $402 in its lifespan. Street trees also reduce storm water runoff by nearly nine hundred million gallons each year.¹

Landscaped neighborhoods and communities increase the resale price of land, provide shade for children and adults, cool down the summers and protect from bitter cold winds in the winter. Trees planted near streets provide natural sound barriers from noisy highways and construction.

Trees are worthy additions to your neighborhood and community and we can help.

Trees For Houston provides support by:

·        Assisting in fundraising for trees

·        Consulting on planting plans including layout, size and species needed

·        Facilitating a tree planting day or event with your community

·        Increasing awareness of areas in need of trees

For more information please visit our website at treesforhouston.org

¹Jonnes, Jill. "What Is a Tree Worth?" The Wilson Quarterly (2011). The Wilson

Quarterly. The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Web. 13 June 2011. <http://www.wilsonquarterly.com/article.cfm?AID=1772>.

Intern Q&A

An interview with Jonathan Barnett, Trees For Houston's Intern from ExxonMobile Community Summer Jobs Program in Houston (click link for more information) which works collaboratively with Volunteer Houston.
[All TFH questions in italics]
Please give your attended college and major:

Texas A&M University, B.S. in Environmental Geoscience

What is your job objective for the summer?

This summer, I am working with the project manager, Casey Scribner, to design, plan, and scout future planting projects. In addition, we are currently maintaining previous planting sites and upkeeping TFH's tree farms.
What projects are you currently working on?

Creating google Sketch-up community services planting designs to enhance fundraising opportunities. Increasing awareness of drought conditions and watering trees around Houston...and beyond.
What are your personal goals for TFH?

To succeed. To conserve/save as many trees as possible during this severe drought.

How is this helping your future career choice?

Gaining exceptional and valuable experience in the non-profit field, as well as enhancing professional resume. My co-workers are always informative and helpful.

Do you have advice for other interns at Trees For Houston?

Drink lots of water when you are outside working in the heat of the summer!