How to Get Involved with the Shade Project

The Shade Project is growing—literally and figuratively—and we need you to help it thrive. Whether you’re into getting your hands dirty, love mapping and measuring things, or just want to help Houston’s trails bloom, there’s a place for you.

What We’ve Done So Far

In 2025, we’ve planted 200 trees along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail in Houston, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, partners, and supporters. Our plantings span seven sections of the trail from 8th & Nicholson to Yale and Trail, creating a future canopy where there once was only concrete and sun.

• 🌱 January: 80 native trees (3- and 5-gallon)
• 🌿 March: 100 native trees (3- and 5-gallon)
• 🌳 June: 20 large native trees (40 to 65-gallon)

That’s twelve species of native trees working together to create healthier air, cooler paths, and more habitat for our local wildlife.

🌱 Adopt a Tree for $35

Want to leave your mark? You can Adopt-a-Tree for just $35, and your name will be added to our live trees app at trees.atotb.org. Each tree has a unique purchase link, and once adopted, your name (or someone you’re honoring) becomes part of the Shade Project legacy.

Your contribution helps fund watering, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of the trail’s growing canopy.

💚 Looking for a meaningful gift or memorial? This is it.

Interesting in adopting an entire section? Reach out to us by email at info@atotb.org.

Watering: A Community Effort

Every few weeks, especially during dry spells, we rally to water the trees using our 31-gallon tank rig, complete with a pump, a gorilla cart, and good ol’ fashioned teamwork. We’re not kidding—it takes a village to haul and distribute over 500 gallons of water during a typical Saturday watering session.

Want to help? Join us for watering shifts 2–3 Saturday mornings per month. You’ll help relieve our contractor, make sure every tree gets its share, and meet fellow trail lovers while you’re at it.

🧑‍🌾 Sign up for watering at: water.atotb.org

Our dream? Swag it up with permanent signage, solar lights, and a splash of personality that turns our cart into a traveling symbol of care and connection.

Become a Tree Steward

You can also help by monitoring and caring for the trees. Our team is mapping the forest one tree at a time—tracking:

• 📏 Height (in feet)
• 🌳 Trunk width (at chest level, in inches)
• 🍃 Species
• ❤️ General health

Our app, trees.atotb.org, lets you log observations, report issues, and even submit hours for certified volunteer credit or court-mandated community service.

Common service requests include:

• De-weeding around the base
• Dry or browning leaves (outer edges = too dry)
• Yellowing leaves (too much water—but rare in Houston!)
• Insect damage or fungal spots
• Tree needs staking or re-mulching

This is a great way to learn about native trees, ecology, and community forestry, while giving back to your city in a hands-on way.

Meet Your Community Captains

Each section of the trail has Community Captains—neighbors who provide light support, answer questions, and keep things moving. Interested in becoming one? Let’s talk! We’re always looking for people to keep the torch lit in their section.

What’s Next?

We’re not stopping at trees. We’ve launched the Railroad Community Garden (@railroadgarden) at 8th & Nicholson, a community plot growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables. And we’re partnering with the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline to expand into native prairies and wilderness placemaking across the city.

Our Mission

Shade fits right into our broader mission at A Tale of Two Bridges: stewarding the trail for all, connecting our neighborhoods, and advocating for greater access to Houston’s hidden gems—starting with two pedestrian bridges we believe can change how we move through the city.

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Ready to help plant the future?
Visit water.atotb.org and trees.atotb.org to get started.

Let’s grow something beautiful, together. 🌳