For Immediate Release
Héctor González, Communications Strategy Manager, TreeFolks
Email: hector@treefolks.org | office: 512-575-2870 | cell: 512-903-4253
Austin, TX – December 12, 2025 – On Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., TreeFolks will host a community tree planting event at Bethany Cemetery, located at 1330 Springdale Road in East Austin. This volunteer day is part of a larger, long-term effort to restore Austin’s oldest Black cemetery, a sacred six-acre space, and to uplift a site of profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
TreeFolks is proud to partner with Bethany Cemetery Association, Inc. and Black Austin Tours in this collaborative effort to preserve Black heritage, restore lost canopy, and strengthen neighborhood connections in the Eastern Crescent. This region continues to experience the effects of historic underinvestment and the pressures of rapid gentrification.
In the wake of a recent destructive hailstorm, which took down many of Bethany’s aging trees, this planting event represents a renewal. Volunteers will help plant 16 large native trees, mulch existing ones, and begin three years of follow-up care to ensure each tree survives and thrives. A 1,000-gallon water tank will be installed to support long-term watering and maintenance. This installation is solely for tree care and is not related to any other development in the area.
“This is more than a planting,” said Andrew Smiley, Executive Director of TreeFolks. “This is an act of remembrance, of repair, and of reverence. We are honored to stand with the families and stewards who have protected Bethany Cemetery through decades of challenge and change.”
The day will include opportunities for volunteers to tour the grounds with Black Austin Tours, whose guides will share stories that highlight the vibrant lives and legacies of those buried here. The partnership aims to deepen the public’s understanding of Austin’s Black history while cultivating new stewards who will continue to care for the land and honor its significance.
This family-friendly event is open to all. No tools or experience are necessary. TreeFolks will provide everything needed, including training, gloves, water, and materials. A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served for up to 50 volunteers, thanks to community support. Parking is available at Sims Elementary School across the street.
Neighbors and supporters are also invited to contribute beyond the planting by donating to the Bethany Cemetery Association, volunteering for regular stewardship activities such as watering and litter pickup, or simply helping to spread the word about this historic space.
“Bethany has endured storms, neglect, and time — yet it still stands. This tree planting represents healing, hope, and community stewardship. We are restoring the land just as we are restoring the stories of the people buried here. Together we are making sure that the Bethany story continues to inspire and unite.”
Sue Spears-Martin, President of the Bethany Cemetery Association
“We are always proud to partner with Bethany Cemetery to memorialize those who sacrificed and lived through enslavement, reconstruction, and segregation. Their resting place here represents agency, peace, and history that should be remembered.
We are thankful for the Bethany Cemetery Association of Travis County and the work they are doing to preserve this space. Through events like this one with TreeFolks, they are guaranteeing that future generations have the opportunity to revisit and learn the vital history that lives here.”
Julia Norwood, Lead Guide & Tour Operations Manager
ABOUT BETHANY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Bethany Cemetery is Austin’s oldest Black cemetery. The mission of the Bethany Cemetery Association is to preserve and protect the rich historical heritage of Bethany Cemetery through ongoing restoration, education, and community engagement. Contact: bethanycemeteryofaustin@gmail.com
ABOUT TREEFOLKS
TreeFolks empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. Through public planting events, education, and reforestation, TreeFolks has planted over 3 million trees across Central Texas. Contact: volunteer@treefolks.org
ABOUT BLACK AUSTIN TOURS
Founded by Dr. Javier Wallace in 2019, Black Austin Tours offers dynamic, historically grounded experiences that uplift Austin’s Black heritage. Their team of expert guides connects visitors and locals alike to the city’s untold stories. Contact: julia@blackaustintours.com
