Some moments remind us why trees matter far beyond shade or beauty. They hold memory. They hold connection. And sometimes, they hold a whole community together during moments of change.
That was the spirit of the Winn Elementary Mother Tree Nace Un Bosque | A Forest Is Born event, a heartfelt gathering rooted in love for students, families, and the land that has quietly supported them for generations.
As many families know, the Austin Independent School District is moving forward with a consolidation plan that will result in the closure of Winn Elementary at the end of this school year. Long before this news arrived, however, Vít Kašpar, TreeFolks’ Seed Collection and Nursery Manager and a Winn parent, had already begun an act of care that would grow into something deeply meaningful.
Last year, Vít collected acorns from the majestic old live oak standing watch over Winn’s playground and mud kitchen. That tree, a true mother tree, has shaded generations of students. Those acorns were planted at the TreeFolks nursery, and from them grew nearly 100 healthy saplings. Each one carries the genetic legacy of that beloved oak and the story of the school itself.
“Every acorn reminds me of the potential for good we each have inside.”
Vít Kašpar
With the school’s blessing, families and staff gathered on Thursday, December 11, beneath the mother tree outside the school library, just before the Winter Concert. One by one, families received a sapling to take home. A living reminder of Winn. A promise that its roots will continue to grow across Austin. Rather than concentrating memory in a single place, the saplings allow Winn’s story to disperse, taking root in many neighborhoods, growing alongside families, and carrying forward a shared sense of belonging.
This gathering was also made possible by the care and collaboration of dedicated partners and school leaders. EcoRise, with the thoughtful presence of Elizabeth Harper, brought hands-on activities that invited students to explore sustainability and creativity side by side. We are deeply grateful to Winn Elementary’s principal, Bridget Farr, whose steady leadership and wholehearted support helped turn this idea into a meaningful reality. Genevieve Saenz, a professional grief counselor, spoke with parents and students during the evening, helping them navigate the emotions that the school closure could evoke. Together, their commitment ensured the event felt not just organized but truly cared for, creating an experience where students, families, and partners felt seen, celebrated, and connected.
“These saplings were grown from acorns that fell from the oak tree behind me. Just like all of us, they are a product of the compassionate and nurturing learning environment at Winn.”
Bridget Farr
TreeFolks staff, led by Vít, were proud to support the event by bringing additional trees from the NeighborWoods program, allowing more families to become tree adopters. This reflects TreeFolks’ broader commitment to growing trees with communities, not just for them, supporting long-term stewardship by ensuring people feel a personal connection to the trees they plant. Héctor González, TreeFolks’ Communications Strategy Manager, helped bridge language barriers by translating throughout the event, allowing Latino students and parents to fully participate and feel welcome. That effort mattered. It turned a ceremony into a shared experience for everyone.
The joy was everywhere. Kids flocked to Arborama, a Lotería-inspired game celebrating Texas trees, which quickly became a favorite activity among them. Laughter mixed with learning as children matched species, stories, and symbols, all while deepening their connection to nature.
As the evening unfolded, music from the Winter Concert filled the air. The combination of song and saplings created something powerful. It was a collective promise to the next generation. A reminder that even when buildings close, the community does not. Roots remain. They spread.
This idea was inspired by the Pease Elementary “cupcake tree” project, another moment when TreeFolks helped school communities carry their history forward through trees. Winn families embraced the idea just as warmly. Many shared how meaningful it felt to take home a piece of their school’s story, something they could plant, nurture, and watch grow alongside their children. So the event was also an invitation for people to notice trees differently, to learn what it means to care for them, and to see themselves as part of a longer story of growth and responsibility.
In times of transition, trees teach us the importance of resilience. They remind us that endings can also be beginnings.
To the Winn Elementary community: your story lives on in backyards, front yards, and future shade. And to that mother tree, still standing strong, thank you for everything you’ve given and everything still to come.
Learn more about Winn Elementary:
Winn Elementary School
Coverage on AISD school closures:
KUT
The NeighborWoods program is a partnership with the City of Austin and Austin Energy.
Author
This article was created by Héctor González, with the kind help of Vít Kašpar, Bridget Farr, and Elizabeth Harper.
