In celebration of Arbor Day, TXU Energy has increased its level of sponsorship and collaboration with long-time community partner, Texas Trees Foundation (TTF). Thanks to a $100,000 contribution from TXU Energy, TTF will increase tree capacity at the newly-named TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm, the largest nonprofit urban tree farm in the nation, and continue its legacy of environmental stewardship.
"We know the important role trees play as Texas looks to go green, and this additional support will advance this cause," said Kelli Rod, Vice President of Community Relations for TXU Energy. "Our six-year relationship with the Texas Trees Foundation is a vital component of commitment to do our part to help improve the environment."
In just an eight-week span, containerized trees at the tree farm increased from 35,000 to 74,000, thanks to the efforts of 905 volunteers who planted 42,000 seedlings.
Through its Committed to Community Growth program, TXU Energy and TTF partner to provide local public places with a variety of trees from the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm. The contribution will significantly increase tree capacity to provide more trees to beautify public places throughout North Central Texas.
"Nothing is as important as preserving our environment," said Janette Monear, Executive Director of TTF. "We appreciate our relationship with TXU Energy and look forward to putting these added resources to good use for the betterment of our community."
To date, TTF has provided more than 138,000 trees, with a goal of providing 25,000 1.5 to 2.0 inch caliper trees per year for projects. This goal is slated for completion by 2012.
TTF serves a 19-county area, which includes Collin, Burleson, Cooke, Dallas, Dawson, Denton, Ellis, Grayson, Harrison, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. TTF improves quality of life in North Texas - the planted trees contribute to cleaning the air, conserving energy and increasing property values throughout the area.
TXU Energy, TTF and community volunteers plant thousands of seedlings annually that are maintained at the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm until they are ready to be planted throughout the community. Public places like schools, nonprofit organizations and municipalities are improved through TXU Energy's Committed to Community Growth program, which relies on volunteers to beautify local public spaces.
About Texas Trees Foundation
The Texas Trees Foundation sustains a tree planting initiative for neighborhood parkways and medians, schools and other public open spaces, a tree growing facility to assure a healthy supply of trees for the future, and education programs to teach the importance and benefits of maintaining a healthy urban forest. For more information on the Texas Trees Foundation, visit: www.texastreesfoundation.org.
About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million electricity customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including 24/7 customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit www.txuenergy.com for more information about TXU Energy.
TXU Energy
Media Relations:
Mike Gutierrez
972.816.2470