Sapling Saturday! (Tree Planting at Bastrop State Park - 2/4/2017)

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In 2011, 96% of Bastrop State Park's unique Lost Pines forest was affected by the Bastrop County Complex Wildfire. More recently in October of 2015, the Hidden Pines Fire affected 55% of Buescher State Park and 83% of our historic road, Park Road 1C. This path is the thread that has woven these two parks together for over 80 years.

Now we need your help to reforest the Lost Pines like the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps did over 80 years ago! Join us for a tree planting workday to help restore the Lost Pines. 2017 is the fifth and final year of this project! Come and plant saplings that have grown from seeds collected right here in Bastrop State Park!

We need your help to reach our goal of planting 30,000 volunteer-planted trees in January and February. Bring your close toed shoes, water bottles, and enthusiasm. We'll provide the rest. Sign up today!

FAQ

Q: Where do we meet?

A: 12:40pm at the Playground parking lot in Bastrop State Park. We'll fill out the proper paperwork before starting the day, as well as use the restroom before heading out to the planting site (there are no facilities available on the work site). After the paperwork is done, we'll caravan to the planting site (everyone in their personal vehicles - transportation is not provided by the park).

Q: Do I need to pay an entry fee?

A: No, all volunteer entry fees are waived for the day. Upon arrival, proceed directly to the Playground parking lot to sign in.

Q: Are we planting all 30,000 trees in one day?!

A: Nope! Over the course of many planting days we hope to reach this goal. We'll plant as many as we can each day. Feel free to sign up for as many planting days as you'd like!

Q: Can I attend more than one planting event?

A: HECK YEAH YOU CAN! However, all planting days only have a certain number of spots. 100 spots are available each planting day due to tools, equipment and safety supplies. Larger groups that have contacted the park previously have reserved some of these spots already. The remaining empty slots are made available to register right here on Volunteer Match. If you do have a larger group, each individual that wishes to participate must RSVP through Volunteer Match so our Volunteer Coordinator can have an accurate head count of participants.

Q: Can I drop off my scout group/children/grandchildren at the planting event and will your staff just watch them at the planting event until I pick them up later?

A: No. Children are welcome to plant with you, but all minors (humans under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q: Do I need to stay the entire 4.5 hours?

A: Yes. Generally our work areas are in remote areas that require staff to close down roads. If there's an emergency during your volunteer slot, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Close toed shoes, work gloves if you have them, water bottles, a snack, sunscreen, and your smiling face because you're about to plant a loblolly pine, a lasting legacy that could live for up to 150 years! We will provide water, trees, guidance, and the other necessary equipment.

Q: I have more questions!

A: Call the Bastrop State Park Headquarters (512) 321-2010. Those Rangers are pretty darn friendly!