A rendering of two key demonstration blocks in Galveston that will be replanted to restore the esplanade to its historic grandeur. (Photo: PRNewsFoto/Apache Corporation and Galveston Island Tree Conservancy)
From Green Right Now Reports
The loss of trees along the Broadway esplanade on Galveston’s historic central thoroughfare, is one of many devastating damages sustained by the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy is spearheading a regional fundraising campaign targeted to the energy and corporate communities in the Houston and Galveston area to raise funds to replenish the iconic blocks.
Apache Corporation is launching the campaign with a $150,000 donation to the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy.
“We hope to motivate others – businesses, foundations and individuals – to contribute as the city works to secure available grant funding,” Roger Plank, president of the Apache Corporation, said in a statement. “Our goal is to help the city restore the full length of the Broadway esplanade.”
The donation will fund the replanting of two key demonstration blocks, from 24th Avenue to 26th Avenue, (East and West of the Texas Heroes Monument). Planting will start in late May 2010. In addition, the donation will help fund the studies and planning required for approval of the project by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Historical Commission.
The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy continues to work in close association with the City of Galveston to replant the 40,000 trees lost to Hurricane Ike. The organization said its priorities are to make the greatest impact on public areas to improve the beauty and spirit of Galveston. Once the two demonstration blocks are completed, the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy will have replanted the entire entrance to the historic downtown Galveston area down to Harborside Blvd.
The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy has been working closely with the Texas Historical Commission, City of Galveston and TXDOT for more than nine months to move forward with the campaign.
“It will take many years and substantial financial commitment for Galveston to recover from the damage of Hurricane Ike,” said Plank. “We believe that companies in the Houston-Galveston area have a significant role to play in this recovery, and we look forward to working with others in our industry and the entire community to restore Broadway.”