Rice to plant 100 trees at Hermann Park Nov. 16

Volunteers should sign up by Nov. 13

Rice student, staff and faculty volunteers are needed to help plant 100 trees in Hermann Park Nov. 16 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Rice’s Community Involvement Center and Office of Public Affairs are coordinating the Rice Centennial Grove project with Hermann Park Conservancy in recognition of the shared centennials of Rice (2012) and Hermann Park (2014.)

“Hermann Park is enjoyed by many in central Houston and is a gathering point for recreation, fitness, the arts, and culture,” said Mac Griswold, director of the Community Involvement Center. “The park has also long been a quiet sanctuary for many Rice University students and residents from adjoining neighborhoods.”

Volunteers will plant 100 oak, bald cypress and other native trees in a reforestation area close to the park’s boathouse and picnic areas on the east side of McGovern Lake. All necessary tools, gloves and water will be provided at the work site. Participants in the planting activity must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants or jeans.

Following an introductory ceremony at 11 a.m., the first planting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A picnic lunch will be served from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A second planting session is scheduled for 1:30 to 3.

Rice volunteers will meet at the Sallyport 15 minutes prior to each of these activities and walk across Main Street to Hermann Park. Limited free reserved parking is available in the Miller Outdoor Theatre performers parking lot for volunteers with a parking pass who prefer to drive to the site on their own.

To volunteer for a shift and to request a parking pass, visit http://cic.rice.edu/CentennialGrove/ and sign up by 5 p.m. Nov. 13. Confirmation with full details on transportation will be sent to all participants Nov. 14.