Corpus Christi Launches CommuniTree
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI (News Release) - The City of Corpus Christi announced a new initiative to plant hundreds of trees across the city, greatly increasing the urban tree canopy. CommuniTree-CC is a partnership with TXU Energy, the City’s retail electric provider, and the Texas Trees Foundation.
Corpus Christi’s leading-edge electricity contract with TXU Energy provides nearly $300,000 for 400 new trees through a donation from TXU Energy and TXU Energy GreenBacks SM. These rebates, which reward TXU Energy customers by funding energy efficiency and sustainability projects, will be used over five years to plant new trees and increase greenspace throughout City parks and shared spaces.
The first 85 trees will be planted Saturday, April 29 at the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge with help from volunteers and community leaders.
Through its partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation, TXU Energy is providing consultation on the selection and planting locations for the trees. This includes guidance on ideal species and data-driven analysis, specific to Corpus Christi, on where plantings could reduce the urban heat island effect and increase the urban tree canopy – especially in underserved neighborhoods.
“The City of Corpus Christi is proud to partner with TXU Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation on this new initiative,” said Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo. “Together, we’re creating a more sustainable City for our residents and visitors. Thanks to this donation and our new CommuniTree-CC program, generations of Texans will enjoy a greener, even more beautiful Corpus Christi.”
“Through this partnership, we are providing safe, reliable power to buildings and facilities across Corpus Christi while supporting – in a meaningful way – the mayor’s efforts to prioritize trees for a better future,” said Gabe Castro, senior vice president of business markets for TXU Energy. “This new initiative is a win for the City and everyone who will enjoy the benefits of a healthy urban tree canopy.”
