Free Class: Texas Native Tree Walk with Tree Folks

Curious about the trees that shade your yard, line your favorite trails, or support local wildlife? The Free Class: Texas Native Tree Walk with TreeFolks is the perfect way to turn that curiosity into real know-how.

On June 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks team up at The Natural Gardener for a guided tree ID walk and lesson, led by tree expert Gillian Hodler. This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly class designed for anyone who wants to get better at recognizing and caring for native trees.

The adventure begins at The Natural Gardener’s class tent, where you will gather with other nature lovers before heading out on a walk through the grounds to meet the trees up close.

• Learn to ID native Texas trees – Discover how to recognize local species by their leaves, bark, shape, and overall “personality.” Gillian will break down the basics in an approachable, easy-to-remember way.

• Understand why native trees matter – Hear how native trees support birds, pollinators, soil health, and our water systems, and why planting and protecting them is so important in Central Texas.

• Become a seed saver – Find out how to safely and ethically collect tree seeds so they can be grown in the TreeFolks Seeds to Trees Native Nursery, helping expand resilient urban forests for years to come.

• Hands-on, outdoor learning – This is not a sit-and-stare-at-slides type of class. You will be outside, looking at real trees, asking questions, and practicing your ID skills with support.

• Connect with a community of tree lovers – Meet fellow gardeners, nature nerds, and eco-curious neighbors who care about the Central Texas landscape as much as you do.

Whether you are a gardening newbie, a budding naturalist, or a long-time plant enthusiast who wants to level up your tree knowledge, you will walk away from this free class with:

• Practical tips for telling common native trees apart

• Confidence to identify trees in your own yard or neighborhood

• Guidelines for responsible seed collecting

• Ways to plug into TreeFolks’ ongoing restoration and nursery efforts

Wear weather-appropriate clothing, comfy walking shoes, and bring water and something to take notes if you like. A phone or small notebook is helpful if you want to jot down tree names or seed collection tips.

If you have ever asked, “What tree is that?” this free, guided walk is your chance to finally get some answers while supporting a greener, more tree-filled Central Texas.