The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the South Montgomery County YMCA and The Brickman Group, Ltd. have stepped up as sponsors for the 33rd Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, January 23 from 10 am – 2 pm in the award-winning Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park. Lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, will also celebrate his birthday at this festival.
           
Approximately 31,000 tree seedlings in eight different varieties will be given away for free, following a tradition that began in 1977. The selection of trees includes Loblolly Pine, Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, River Birch, Southern Crabapple, Sweetbay Magnolia, White Oak and Yellow Poplar. In addition to receiving free tree seedlings, guests may register at the event to win one of five, seven-gallon native trees. The drawings will take place hourly, and you must be present to win.
           
Free giant inflatable rides and rock walls, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and face painting will entertain the younger crowd. Musical entertainment from local talent will also be highlighted.
           
Puffy’s birthday celebration will start at 1 pm with mascot friends including Clutch from the Houston Rockets; Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street; Barkley from Woodforest National Bank; Carey Bear from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital; Chick-fil-A Cow; Dora the Explorer; Elmo from Sesame Street; Grimace from McDonald’s; Percy from Primrose Schools; SpongeBob SquarePants; Spider Man; Plex the magic yellow robot from Yo Gabba Gabba; and the Y guy from the South Montgomery County YMCA. Children will also enjoy free birthday cupcakes at the birthday party!

Arbor Day in The Woodlands is scheduled for January 23, 2010 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creeekside Park. Sponsors of this free celebration include The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the South Montgomery County YMCA and The Brickman Group, Ltd.

“Over the years, the developer and sponsors have given away approximately 875,000 tree seedlings to help perpetuate the forested environment,” said Vreeland-Wendt. “We encourage residents of the community to come out and enjoy the Arbor Day festivities and receive new tree seedlings.”

This free celebration is sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the South Montgomery County YMCA and The Brickman Group, Ltd.

The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston.  It is a project of The Woodlands Development Company, a limited partnership of Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties, Inc.