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What is EEHDA NeighborWoods?
 EEHDA NeighborWoods is a volunteer program, organized by the East End Historical District Association and funded by a grant from the Home Depot Foundation and Galveston County Recovery Committee, in cooperation with the Galveston City Tree Committee, Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and Texas Forest Service, to replant shade trees in Galveston’s Historic East End Neighborhood.
 The goal of the EEHDA NeighborWoods program is to plant 200 shade trees in the Galveston East End right of way by April 1st, 2010, to help the neighborhood recover from the devastating loss of trees from salt water poisoning as a result of Hurricane Ike in September, 2008. Thanks to a generous donation from the Home Depot
Foundation and the Galveston County Recovery Committee, these trees will be provided at no cost to the resident, so long as they promise to care for and water their tree for at least two years.
For this planting season, the EEHDA NeighborWoods program focus is the major east-west streets in the East End: Sealy, Ball, Winnie, Church, Postoffice and Market, between 19th street on the west and 10th street on the east. Of all the Galveston neighborhoods, the East End Historical District suffered the greatest tree loss, with more than 80% of the trees killed from the 12+ hour inundation from Hurricane Ike’s fifteen foot storm surge.
In the next several weeks, a group of volunteers that include neighborhood residents and members of the Texas Forest Service will be identifying potential locations for these new trees. Tree locations must meet both the new Galveston right-of-way planting guidelines as well as be located adjacent to a residence with a homeowner who is willing to commit to care for and water the new tree for at least two years.
The East End NeighborWoods program is based on similar successful reforestation projects in Austin, Texas, Chicago, Illinois and other locations.
To donate to the EEHDA NeighborWoods program, please go to the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy website at www.galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org. All donations are tax deductable and will be used to help defray the cost of locating, purchasing and planting these new shade trees.
Program Timeline 2009 – 2010
- 11/5/09—City Right of Way planting ordinance approved by City Council setting guidelines for planting street trees without the requirement of a specific permit.
12/2/09—$50,000 grant from Home Depot Foundation approved; $10,000 allocated to East End NeighborWoods program.
12/3/09—$1000 grant for NeighborWoods planning activities approved by Galveston County Recovery Fund
12/28 thru 12/30/09—225 Signs and door hangers distributed throughout East End; due date for response cards is January 15th
1/22/10—Initial tree location database completed; If needed, second round of locations identified and mapped; response cards due Feb 15th.
2/20/10—Final tree location and species database completed; Initial discussion with growers / nurseries for trees and volunteer groups for planting assistance.
Late February 2010—Purchase of trees; coordinated utility locates done for sites; date for planting selected
March 2010—200 Trees planted!
Common Questions for EEDHA NeighborWoods Program
Q: Who do I call for more information?
A: Call the East End Cottage at 409-763-5928 and leave a message—someone will respond within 24 hours. For more information on the tree species, please visit the Texas Forest Website at http://txforestservice.tamu.edu
Q: I didn’t get a sign or door hanger but I want a tree. What can I do?
A: Due to planting and spacing requirements, not every home will receive a free tree. EEHDA will facilitate the planting of as many trees as possible.
Q: I want a different tree than what is listed on the response card.
A: Free tree selection is limited to those species that have demonstrated success in Galveston’s climate. Everything possible will be done to honor your first or second choice. Final selection is based on funds available and the overall quality of tree species available when purchases are made.
Q: I have an existing tree stump in the exact spot where I want my new tree!
A: The East End NeighborWoods program does not have funding to provide stump grinding at this time. For best tree health, it is best to allow 18 to 24 months from the time that a stump is removed before planting a new tree in the same location.
Q: Can I have one of these trees for my yard?
A: No, this program is for street trees only.
Q: What size will the trees be?
A: The city ordinance requires street trees to be between 15 and 65 gallons, roughly between 1” and 3” in diameter. Actual size will be within these limits.
Q: What are my responsibilities?
A: You are required to water the tree periodically for at least two years—at least 5 gallons three times a wek. Maintaining a 2” to 3” thick layer of mulch around the tree drip line will help maintain the moisture level during the dry summer months, and always keep mulch away from the trunk itself.
Q: What about pruning and fertilizer?
A: Young trees should not require pruning or fertilizer during their early years. If necessary, only prune dead or broken branches.
Q: What is the EEHDA?
A: The East End Historical District Association (EEHDA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1974 to preserve and maintain the heritage and livability of the East End Neighborhood. Although historical preservation is an important goal of the EEHDA, an equally important goal is to provide a high quality of life for all residents. EEHDA manages two local parks – Darragh Park and Alderdice Park – located in the East End and operates the East End Christmas Homes Tour held each year in December.
Q: How can I find out more about the program?
A: Attend the monthly East End Historical District Association meetings that take place at 6pm on the first Thursday of every month at the East End Cottage, 1501 Postoffice, or visit our website at www.eastendgalveston.org.
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