For Immediate Release
Héctor González, Communications Strategy Manager, TreeFolks
Email: hector@treefolks.org | office: 512-575-2870 | cell: 512-903-4253
AUSTIN, Texas — July 13, 2026 — TreeFolks is now accepting applications for its inaugural Nursery of Nurseries Pilot Program, a hands-on training and mentorship opportunity designed to help more people grow native Texas trees and support reforestation across Central Texas.
The program is open to motivated growers, gardeners, conservation practitioners, aspiring nursery owners, and others interested in learning how to grow trees from seed. Applications will remain open through August 9, and the first training session will begin September 17.
Participants will learn the full seed-to-sapling process, including native seed collection, propagation, nursery setup, tree care, and preparation for planting. Each participant will also receive guidance as they establish a small nursery of their own.
The Nursery of Nurseries is the result of a long-term vision championed by Vít Kašpar, TreeFolks’ Seed Collection and Nursery Manager. Through the program, Kašpar hopes to share the practical knowledge TreeFolks has developed while growing native trees for restoration projects across the region.
“Growing a tree from seed helps people understand how much knowledge, patience, and care it takes to restore our local landscapes,” Kašpar said. “Central Texas has its own climate, soils, and native species, and knowing how to work with those conditions is important for everyone who wants to care for this region. By sharing what we have learned, we can help more people become confident tree growers and strengthen restoration efforts for years to come.”
The program is part of TreeFolks’ broader commitment to equitable reforestation. In addition to planting trees, TreeFolks is working to make tree-growing knowledge, training, and resources more widely available throughout Central Texas.
By helping participants establish independent growing operations, the Nursery of Nurseries will create a network of community-based growers who can increase the supply of native, restoration-quality trees. These trees may eventually support local reforestation projects, community planting efforts, habitat restoration, or small nursery businesses.
“Reforestation is not only about how many trees one organization can plant. It is also about how many people we can welcome into the work,” said Andrew W. Smiley of TreeFolks. “When we give people the tools to grow native trees in their own communities, one nursery can become many, and one seed can become part of a much bigger story. That is how we grow a greener and more resilient Central Texas—together.”
The program may appeal to people who want to support ecological restoration, explore a future nursery business, expand their plant propagation skills, or become more deeply involved in caring for Central Texas landscapes.
Applications for the inaugural Nursery of Nurseries Pilot Program close August 9, 2026. Training begins September 17, 2026.
How to Get Involved
To learn more and apply, visit treefolks.org/nursery-of-nurseries.
About TreeFolks
TreeFolks empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. Since 1989, TreeFolks has worked with volunteers, landowners, public agencies, and community partners to expand and restore the urban and rural forest across Central Texas. Through programs focused on tree planting, tree adoption, reforestation, education, and long-term stewardship, TreeFolks helps create healthier, cooler, and more resilient communities.
Photo credit: Camila Restrepo
