Lake Charles officials announced Tuesday several tree-planting and educational events throughout the city to help restore the many trees lost during Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
During a news conference at City Hall, Mayor Nic Hunter announced the events for the city’s ReTreeLC initiative. A tree planting and park improvement project is set for Feb. 18 at Mary Belle Williams Park, 2009 N. Simmons St. Additional events are scheduled in March and April.
ReTreeLC was launched last December, with more than 350 trees donated by Firestone Polymers planted at Hillcrest, Grace & Medora and Buddy Prejean parks. The goal, Hunter said, is to renew the tree canopy in Lake Charles “in a sustainable and resilient way.”

Here are other upcoming ReTreeLC events:
•    March 11: Tree plantings at Lock Park, 1535 Ryan St., and Columbus Circle Park, 3520 Greinwich Blvd. Cheniere Energy is partnering in the effort.
•    March 12: The SWLA Master Naturalists will host a tree-centered educational event from 9 a.m.-noon at Hillcrest Park, 2808 Hillcrest Drive.
•    March 30: Sasol and city will host an open house on post-hurricane plans to redesign Tuten Park from 5-7 p.m. at the park, 3801 Nelson Road.
•    April 2: The city and McNeese State University will host an event to learn more about the Sallier Oak and live oak trees from 9 a.m.-noon at Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier St.
•    April 23: To celebrate Earth Day, Firestone Polymers will distribute trees for planting from 9 a.m.-noon at Hillcrest Park.
•    A tree planting that partners Tellurian is set for sometime in April at McMillan Park, 343 Goos St., and J.D. Clifton Park 2415 E. Gieffers St.
ReTreeLC is part of the city’s Partners in Parks program. Established in July 2018, it seeks to invest in park improvements and host family-friendly activities at parks citywide.
“Sometimes, we forget about those assets for the city,” Hunter said.
An $85,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program for Louisiana will help complete the walking trail along First Avenue. This funding brings the total support for Partners in Parks to $1 million, with no burden to taxpayers, Hunter said.
Hunter encouraged businesses and nonprofits to host events through the Partners in Parks program. Donations can be made to the Partners in Parks fund through the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.
Hunter encouraged residents who plant a new tree on their property to take a picture and post it on social media with #ReTreeLC.
To get involved in ReTreeLC, call Al Williams at 491-1203 or email alfred.williams@cityoflc.us.

Online: cityoflakecharles.com/ReTreeLC