Community Gathers at Bethany Cemetery to Plant New Trees
On a clear December morning, community members gathered at historic Bethany Cemetery to plant new trees and pay homage to a place that holds deep cultural and historical significance in East Austin. TreeFolks partnered with the Bethany Cemetery Association and Black Austin Tours to restore the canopy lost to recent storms while uplifting the stories of those laid to rest there. Volunteers of all ages came together to learn, plant, and reflect, transforming the six-acre cemetery into a space of renewed care, remembrance, and connection.
More than a volunteer workday, the event was an act of stewardship and respect. Alongside planting, participants had the opportunity to learn about Bethany’s history and its significance to Austin’s Black community, reinforcing why preserving this land matters. With three years of follow-up care planned for the newly planted trees, this effort represents a long-term commitment to healing the landscape, protecting a precious green space in a changing neighborhood, and ensuring Bethany Cemetery continues to inspire future generations.
Author
Héctor González was at the event and wrote this article. Photos provided by Erika Rich Photography, Camila Restrepo, and Héctor.
