Texas Tree Trails is a volunteer-driven program. The work — finding, measuring, documenting, and preserving our region’s significant trees — depends on dedicated volunteers who are willing to get out in the field and put their hands on the bark. Whatever your interests, talents, or availability, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful contribution.
Three Ways to Help
Nominate a tree you know
We need your help in finding the largest trees in our region!
As you travel through your community, keep an eye out for exceptionally large trees that may qualify as Champion Trees. You never know when you might discover a hidden giant growing in a neighborhood, park, pasture, or along a country road.
If you find a tree that looks like it could be a champion, check out the tree species in our Tree Registry and if your tree is bigger, let us know. Nominate a tree!
Volunteer to help our Associates
The success of this program depends on the dedicated volunteers from our associate organizations. We also rely on the public’s support and encourage everyone to visit their websites, attend their meetings, and get involved. Working with significant trees is a fun and rewarding experience that offers the opportunity to make a lasting contribution while enjoying the outdoors and helping preserve these remarkable trees for future generations.
Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council
Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council
Become a Citizen Forester, Master Gardener, or Master Naturalist
Many of our volunteers are also Citizen Foresters, Master Gardeners, or Master Naturalists – and a few are all three! These volunteer programs provide valuable education and hands-on training that help develop many of the skills needed as a volunteer with Texas Tree Trails.
Citizen Forester
If you are in the Fort Worth region, the Citizen Forester program presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals to become skilled at planting, pruning, and maintaining trees in an urban environment. The Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council (CTUFC) is always accepting applications for the Citizen Forester training classes. For more information: Citizen Forester | Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council
Texas Master Gardener
The Texas Master Gardener program is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The group aims to educate volunteers who are passionate about gardening and horticulture, enabling them to share their knowledge with the community. To find the Master Gardener program in your county: County Offices – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas Master Naturalist
The Texas Master Naturalist Program is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The group`s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. To find the chapter operating in your county: Chapters – Texas Master Naturalist Program
by visiting champion trees, taking current measurements and photos. Bill is also a Texas Historic
Tree Coalition Trustee.
Key Contacts
Steve Houser
International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Arborist, TX #0107
Consulting Arborist
Trustee, Texas Historic Tree Coalition
Phone: 972-442-1524 (ask for RuthAnn Jackson)
Email: steve.houser@txhtc.org
Hector Marines-chio
Texas A&M Forest Service
Regional Urban Forester
Phone: 254-451-8225
Email: hector.marines@tfs.tamu.edu
RuthAnn Jackson
Trustee, Texas Historic Tree Coalition
Coordinator, Indian Marker Tree Committee
Phone: 972-442-1524
Email: ruthann.jackson@txhtc.org
General Inquiries
For everything else: info@texastreetrails.com