Come see our forest grow! Join Festival Beach Food Forest as we celebrate the inaugural tree planting of our 2 acre expansion. Our forest garden has been growing for 9 years and is now a thriving ¾ acre of outdoor community learning and gathering space. We are excited to celebrate the beginning of our forest expansion onto the remaining 2+ acres of adjacent parkland!

East Austin community leader and D3 Council Member José Velásquez will speak to our community about the importance of food producing public parkland spaces in East Austin and Jesús García of The Herbal Action project will lead a tree meditation before the tree planting ceremony. In additional to planting trees, we will plant pollinator attractors and seed wildflowers in our meadow. We will also offer a tree education workshop(possibly by TreeFolks), and guided plant walks through our existing and expanding forest. All attendees will learn about the various trees and plants growing together to create a thriving and diverse ecosystem, and our guides will discuss the regenerative practices that help us build healthy soil and fungal network.

• 2:00pm: Opening Circle and Remarks

• 2:30pm: Mini Plantwalks

• 3:30pm: Tree Planting Ceremony Begins - Tree meditation & honoring the 4 directions

• 4:00pm: Tree Panting in Small Groups

• 4:30pm Ceremony ends - Begin Live Music, Festivities & Activities

• 5:00pm: Words From our Partners & Community Leaders

• 6:00pm: Closing Remarks and Community Celebrations

Activities include: - Make your own wildflower seed balls - Enjoy teas made with forest plants - Grapevine crowns or wreaths - Kids Nature Play Activities & Art - Learn more about our co-host’s tabling!

Please wear light, comfortable clothing and a sun hat/sun protection. Hand tools and gloves are provided for anyone participating in tree planting. Bring your water bottle. See you there!

Rain Date: Sat. Oct. 26th at 2pm