Houston-Area Residents Invited to Participate in Dunes Day 2025 Sustainability Project
Residents of the Houston area have an opportunity to contribute to coastal sustainability and volunteerism through the upcoming Dunes Day event in Brazoria County. On January 25, 2025, volunteers will gather on Follett’s Island to help restore vital sand dunes by staking down recycled Christmas trees on the beach.
This unique initiative, organized by the Brazoria County Parks Department, highlights the dual benefits of community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Restoring Coastal Dunes: Why It Matters
Sand dunes are a natural defense against coastal erosion and storm damage, but they experience a cycle of buildup and erosion over time. Storm events can significantly weaken these barriers, leaving nearby areas more vulnerable.
Recycled Christmas trees play a crucial role in rebuilding the dunes:
- Sand Accumulation: The trees act as natural sand-fencing, helping to trap sand and rebuild the dunes.
- Ecosystem Support: As the trees decompose, they provide fertilizer for dune-stabilizing grasses, ensuring the dunes’ long-term growth and stability.
For Houston-area residents, fortifying the dunes offers protection to coastal communities and contributes to the overall health of the region's ecosystems.
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How to Get Involved
Volunteer for Dunes Day
Dunes Day will kick off on January 25, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Stahlman Park, located at 2211 Bluewater Hwy, Surfside Beach, TX 77541. Volunteers will receive instructions on how to stake the trees and contribute to the rebuilding process.
What to Bring:
- Long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes for outdoor work.
- Work gloves and a hammer to secure stakes in the sand.
- A reusable water bottle to reduce waste (filtered water will be available).
After the event, volunteers will be treated to a chili dog lunch at Stahlman Park starting at 11:30 a.m.
Donate Recycled Christmas Trees
Residents can drop off live Christmas trees—free of tinsel, lights, and ornaments—at one of eight donation sites in Brazoria County starting December 26, 2024:
- Brazoria County Parks, 313 W. Mulberry, Angleton, TX 77515
- Surfside Beach Main Entrance, Surfside, TX 77541
- Precinct 1 HQ, 1432 Highland Park Drive, Clute, TX 77531
- Precinct 2 HQ, 21017 CR 171, Angleton, TX 77515
- Precinct 3 HQ, 2508 North Gordon Street, Alvin, TX 77512
- Precinct 4 HQ, 121 North 10th Street, West Columbia, TX 77486
- Manvel Substation, 7313 Corporate Drive, Manvel, TX 77578
- Stella Roberts Recycling Center, 5800 Magnolia, Pearland, TX 77584
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Why Participate?
This project offers a meaningful way to:
- Support Coastal Sustainability: Protect coastal regions from erosion and storm damage.
- Promote Volunteerism: Join a community effort that brings together residents from across the region.
- Repurpose Holiday Waste: Give your Christmas tree a second life as part of an environmental initiative.
For more information, contact the Brazoria County Parks Department at nathanm@brazoriacountytx.gov or 979-864-1152. By participating in Dunes Day, Houston-area residents can make a tangible impact on the environment while fostering community spirit.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
