1K native trees planted along Guadalupe River as restoration effort begins

A major effort to restore the Guadalupe River’s tree canopy is underway, with the San Antonio Botanical Garden planting the first 1,000 native trees in Kerrville as part of a long-term recovery project after the Hill Country floods in 2025.

The planting marks the first phase of a five-year initiative to add 50,000 native trees along the riverbanks, according to a news release.

The flood stripped away vegetation along parts of the Guadalupe River, leaving banks more vulnerable to erosion and reducing habitat for wildlife.

The trees were grown from more than 850,000 seeds collected from along the river, the release states. Using native trees grown from local seeds is intended to help restore the river’s natural ecosystem and improve the chances the trees will thrive in the area.

The restoration work is expected to help stabilize riverbanks, filter water and support wildlife as the landscape continues to recover.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has invested $3 million in the project.

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