A Tale of Two Bridges Celebrates Planting 200 Native Trees Along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail

Houston, TX – August 26, 2025 – A Tale of Two Bridges is proud to announce the planting of 200 native trees along a 1,300-foot stretch of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail, part of its Shade Project to cool Houston’s trails, improve walkability, and create a lasting greenspace legacy.

This milestone builds on a pilot planting in March 2023, when 20 trees were installed near Nicholson and West 8th Street. After just two years in the ground, those trees are already providing shade, showing the rapid impact of native species selected for their fast growth. In only a few more years, the newest plantings are expected to deliver the same benefits—reducing urban heat, encouraging walking and biking, and transforming the trail into a cooler, greener corridor.

With support from Livelihood, H-E-B, Rhythm Energy, the City of Houston, local businesses, and more than 100 volunteers, the project has grown into one of the neighborhood’s most visible grassroots greening efforts:

• January 25, 2025 – 80 trees planted with community volunteers
• March 3, 2025 – 100 trees planted in partnership with Rhythm Energy
• June 11, 2025 – Site-wide remulching and 20 larger-caliber canopy trees planted with City of Houston grant support

“Our partners and neighbors have really stepped up,” said Emmanuel Nunez, founder of A Tale of Two Bridges. “Livelihood has been a foundational partner from the start, providing trees, planting expertise, and mobilization support. Combined with the dedication of over 100 volunteers, this project shows what’s possible when a community invests in its own future.”

Engaging the Community

To keep the trees thriving, A Tale of Two Bridges launched Treescope (trees.atotb.org), a web app that lets supporters snap photos of adopted trees to catalogue their health and growth. The group also hosts community care days, where residents measure, mulch, and maintain the new trees.

Supporters can adopt a tree for just $35 at www.atotb.org/adopt. To date, 19 trees have been adopted, with a goal of securing adoption for all 220.

In addition, the nonprofit is expanding its greening work through the launch of the Railroad Community Garden (railroadgarden.org), a new project that will further activate the trail with food, gathering, and educational opportunities.

Upcoming Event – Sip & See

A Tale of Two Bridges invites the public to a Sip & See event on Sunday, October 26, 2025, where neighbors can stroll the trail, view the new trees, and adopt their own. https://atotb.org/events/mkt-heights-sip-and-see/

Multimedia & Exclusive Feature

Community members recently celebrated the Shade Project with music, storytelling, and tree tours. Interviews from the event can be viewed here:

• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HWLxojh72AM
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QwUdQwmivoU
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CxvIJepI5Do
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/euI_B0LURC4
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/frNVaYqCsIs

A feature video documenting the full transformation is currently in production. Media outlets will be offered exclusive access prior to its public release.