Bexar Branches Alliance Corp

Our Tree Buds Citizen Forester Training Program, sponsored by the Alamo Forest Partnership and the San Antonio Arborists Association with support from Bexar Branches Alliance, is the primary initiative supporting our tree-preservation efforts. The program provides hands-on instruction in proper pruning techniques for young trees and essential tree care, helping to supplement the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department's ongoing tree-planting initiatives. During 2024, community organizations, local businesses, and government partners continued to support the program's volunteer-driven work. This season included 9 pruning events, with 104 volunteers contributing 428 service hours to improve the health and long-term survivability of young trees across public parks and natural areas. BBA also launched Rooted Resilience, a new tree-care initiative focused on mature trees in low-canopy, high-risk neighborhoods. The program supports environmental equity by helping low-income homeowners maintain critical shade trees and preparing communities for climate-related stressors. Rooted Resilience funding: City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability, American Forests. Rooted Resilience status: The pilot phase runs in 2025, and planning and preparation activities were conducted during 2024. These combined efforts strengthen canopy preservation, extend the impact of prior planting projects, and expand BBA's year-round urban forestry capacity.

Bexar Branches Alliance advanced its Tree Education initiative through two major community events in 2024. The organization hosted the 2nd Annual Regional Urban Forestry Conference, "Fiesta Verde," focused on strengthening regional understanding of urban canopy conservation, community stewardship, and the role of trees in resilient cities. BBA also developed Trees & Torque, a new public-facing environmental education event designed to highlight sustainable transportation options and the vital role trees play in improving air quality, reducing urban heat, and enhancing neighborhood livability. The event features educational exhibits, community partners, and a tree-adoption component to further engage residents in urban forestry. Together, these efforts expand BBA's public outreach and reinforce its commitment to accessible, community-centered environmental education. Trees & Torque completed planning and early sponsorship activities in 2024, preparing for full launch.

In addition to its primary initiatives, Bexar Branches Alliance carried out a range of smaller community outreach activities, neighborhood tree distributions, and environmental engagement efforts that support its mission to expand and preserve the tree canopy in the San Antonio region. These projects strengthen community participation, improve access to urban forestry resources, and reinforce the organization's broader tree-planting, preservation, and education goals.