Conroe 360 reforestation project provides Conroe community with 360 trees

CONROE, Texas - A tree grows in Conroe, actually 360 trees will have the opportunity to grow as a result of the 2015 Conroe 360 class. The reforestation project, titled 360 Trees from Conroe 360, was conceived and implemented by the twenty participants of this year's class.

In its second year, Conroe 360 is a program initiated by the City of Conroe for cross-training city employees. Applications are submitted for acceptance into the program that is designed to give city staff full exposure to the variety of city functions and services provided to the citizens of Conroe, through the public service municipal work. Those selected participate in monthly class meetings to gain a better perspective of what services each city department provides.

This year’s class took note of the City of Conroe residents’ expressed love for trees, and a desire for reforestation to replace trees that have been lost to adverse weather, or where tree-clearing was deemed necessary. The Conroe 360 took the residents’ concerns to heart and planted 360 trees as their service project.

“I am very excited about the dedication to this project,” said Amber Blevins, Research Analyst/Retail Specialist for the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council.

Initially 260 trees were planted in the 4 medians at S Loop 336 & I-45; two medians on the west side of I-45N, and two on the east side. This reforestation project is in front of the former Camp Strake, now the future location of Grand Central Park, a master-planned community being developed Johnson Development. Tees will also be beautifying the area in front of Fidelis Realty Partners Entertainment Hub located at 336 Marketplace, within Grand Central Park.

An extra 100 trees will be held in escrow in the event that some of those planted, may not survive and have to be replaced. Any remaining trees will be planted within the City of Conroe. The trees will also be beautifying the area in front of Fidelis Realty Partners Entertainment Hub development, 336 Marketplace, within Grand Central Park. The success of the project was due in large part to Burditt Consultants who donated the landscaping and irrigation plans for the project, Hunter Industries for donating the majority of the irrigation materials, and Sergio's Lawn Service & Landscaping, who did the installation of the drip irrigation system. Owner, Sergio Martinez, is the Vice President of the Gulf Coast Houston Irrigation Association. The City of Conroe Public Works Department was instrumental in installing a water metering system.

The multi-stage chronological order of the project proceeded as follows:

• The 4 medians were retrofitted with water taps to the city’s underground water lines for the irrigation system, and meters were installed to track the water output.
• Classmates Eric Pelley and Glenn Jefferson with the City of Conroe’s Engineering Department flagged the 260 locations for the trees in preparation of installing the drip irrigation system.
• Classmate Joel Pickering and the City of Conroe’s Public Works Department oversaw the digging for each tree placement.
• The irrigation system was installed in the four medians. This work was performed by This work was completed by Sergio's Landscaping.
• Shumard Oak and Loblolly Pine trees were planted and staked to secure them.
• Drip rings connected to the underground irrigation system were placed at each tree.
• Three inch mulch rings were placed around the trees.

The ensure that the project was eco-friendly, the amount of water is being regulated with controllers that are run off solar panels donated by Hunter Industries.

“The goal was to have the project completed by our class graduation, which we accomplished,” said Blevins. “This has been quite an ambitious, legacy project!”

As impressive as the project was, even more so, the collaborative efforts of businesses in the community in partnership with the city’s Engineering and Public Works Department, to the betterment of the community.

For more information about the 360 Trees from Conroe 360 "Like" their Facebook page via the link provided.

#SeeTheForestForTheTrees