GALVESTON — Communities in Mississippi hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 turned 20 trees killed by the storm into one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
The marine-themed tree sculptures, which line the median of U.S. Highway 90, were created in 2007 by two artists.
The Galveston Tree Conservancy has similar plans for island trees killed by Hurricane Ike.
An anonymous donor already has provided funds to sculpt two trees next to city hall. Conservancy members are asking for donations to pay for work on four other trees at the city’s parks.
City officials do not want to create sculptures from trees in the right of way next to city streets because of the possibility they could become safety hazards or targets for vandalism.
Officials have not decided whether any of the trees on Broadway might be turned into sculptures, but any sculpture project would have to be approved by the Texas Historical Commission. The state considers the trees part of the street’s historic character.
Conservancy members hope home-owners will consider creating sculptures from trees on private property, although no funds currently are available to help pay for the work.
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How To Help
To make a donation to the tree art or reforestation projects in Galveston, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 409-621-3177 or the Office of Public Information at 409-797-3546.
