Donate a tree for $198.00
The Goal :30 Trees Before March 25 + 30 Trees in December
Our Goal: Restore Cleveland Park’s Canopy
30 Trees by March 25, 2026 + 30 More in December 2026
Help Us Grow a Greener, Cooler Cleveland Park
Cleveland Park has lost significant canopy in recent years. This program is about restoring shade, beauty, and livability for today’s neighbors and for future Houstonians.
Each tree planted is an investment in the park’s future.
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Tree Donations
Each tree is $198
Your donation covers:
City permitting
Tree selection (approved by HPARD)
Professional planting
• full years of required watering
• Program administration by Friends of Cleveland Park in partnership with Trees For Houston
The true cost of planting and maintaining a tree is significantly higher than $198. Every dollar raised beyond the minimum allows us to install larger, healthier, higher-value trees.
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Scotland Street Homeowner Priority
The nine homeowners on Scotland Street receive priority placement for trees directly across from their homes through February 1, 2026.
• Base donation: $198
•Homeowners may upgrade to a specific tree species or larger-gallon tree
•Additional cost = difference in tree cost (we help source and coordinate)
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Tribute & Memorial Trees
Trees may be donated:
•In honor of a loved one
•In memory of a person or pet
•As a legacy gift from families, businesses, or organizations
Signature Trees (larger or specialty species):
•Must be on HPARD’s approved list
•Coordinated by Trees For Houston and City Urban Forestry
•Ideal for memorials or major gifts
Or donate any amount — every contribution helps us plant and care for more trees.
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A Call to Our Park-Adjacent Businesses
Businesses surrounding Cleveland Park — including the Consulate of India and others — benefit daily from the park:
Your clients walk here.They park here. They picnic here.
We are asking you to help steward this shared space and invest in a park that reflects the pride of the neighborhood and the city.
⸻Important Dates & Program Details
• Plant Day: To be announced
Target: no later than March 25, 2026
• In Houston, planting season runs November–April
• Program partners:
• Friends of Cleveland Park (local nonprofit advocate)
• Trees For Houston (citywide tree-planting experts)
👉 Learn more about Trees For Houston and their impact across Texas:
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Engraved Tribute Paver (Included)
Every $198 tree donation includes an engraved tribute brick.
After donating, please complete the Order Form so we can finalize engraving.
Brick Placement Options
1. Delivered to you for your home or garden
2. Placed at the tree (not recommended due to theft, vandalism, and mower damage)
3. Proposed Tribute Walk around one or two picnic pads
•Currently under review by HPARD
Inspired by successful installations at Woodland Park
Final design depends on sufficient community participation
Preliminary concepts are available below. This project will proceed only with strong neighborhood support.
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'About Friends of Cleveland Park
Friends of Cleveland Park is a Texas nonprofit, organized in 2025, and has been involved in every major improvement to the park over the past six years, including:
•Tennis court resurfacing
•Pickleball installation
•Park events and cleanups
• Coordination with HPARD, Precinct 1, and City leadership
We maintain active relationships with:
•City Council
•The Mayor’s Office
•State Rep. Ann Johnson
•Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
• State Senator Molly Cook
EIN: 33-4286070
501(c)(3) status: 2026
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Why This Matters
This effort is about shade, safety, and comfort. Cleveland Park is noticeably hotter today than it was just a few years ago.
If you prefer to donate without a tribute name, please let us know — we would love to honor:
• Our current park grounds crew
• Past park managers and stewards
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💚 Special Tribute: Carolee Taylor
A memorial tree honoring Carolee Taylor, a beloved Jackson Hill dog-crew neighbor, is being finalized with her family.
We hope this will be a Signature Tree, possibly accompanied by a pet water station.
Carolee’s vigil was held in the park shortly after her tragic death — a deeply moving moment for all who knew her.
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How to Donate
✔ Credit cards
✔ Checks are great (saves 3% processing fees)
Mail checks to:
Friends of Cleveland Park
Attn: Brian Bottorff
4400 Memorial Dr., #2144
Houston, TX 77007
Questions? Call or text Brian Bottorff: 832-521-1601
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Get Involved
Beginning February 1, 2026, we’ll be knocking doors, texting, and calling neighbors — telethon-style — to finish funding these trees.
If you’d like to volunteer:
• Door-knocking
• Phone or text outreach
• Event support
Please reach out. This is truly now or never for restoring the park’s canopy.
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Together, we are planting shade, beauty, and legacy.
The neighbors who step up now will be remembered for restoring Cleveland Park’s canopy beginning in 2026.
Thank you for believing in this park
Tree Benefits
Our Park has had a significant loss of canopy the last three years. 52 big trees GONE, including 12 of the 14 Loblolly, the oldest tree in the park, the #6 ranked tree on the prestigious Tree Index, 3 Magnolias, and more. '
FACT: Canopy in the neighborhood dropped 35 % between 2011 and 2021 to an all-time low of under 10% overall.
FACT: Between 2021 and 2025, the Park had major losses due to disease and drought, and storms; 12 of the 14 Loblolly Pines in the park died due to beetles and drought, and 38 additional trees were lost to the weather in 2024. (48 Trees)
FACT: The 52 total trees lost include five of the best providers of shade near the tennis courts and playground.
FACT: We lost the big Southern Catalpa tree -the#5-ranked tree listed on the prestigious Tree Index.
In 2025, an additional 5 trees, including the old Cottonwood dangling over the path, were removed. The trees in the park have received a lot of attention and new mulch rings thanks to our event on April 19.
Environmental Benefits:
Clean Air: Trees absorb pollutants and release oxygen, improving air quality.
Water Filtration: Trees help filter stormwater runoff, preventing pollutants from entering waterways.
Erosion Control: Tree roots help stabilize soil, preventing erosion and landslides.
Wildlife Habitat: Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a wide variety of animals.
Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
Social and Economic Benefits:
Reduced Stress: Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
Increased Property Values: Trees can enhance curb appeal and increase the value of properties.
Energy Savings: Trees can provide shade, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy.
Community Building: Trees can create more pleasant and inviting public spaces, fostering social interaction and community development.
Economic Opportunities: The forestry industry provides jobs and supports local economies.
Other Notable Benefits & New Research
Cooling Effect: Trees can lower urban temperatures, reducing the heat island effect.
Noise Reduction: Trees can help absorb noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Improved Aesthetics: Trees add beauty and character to landscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a place
The Trees Are Coming! Finally.
Help Us Bring Shade Back to Cleveland Park
We’re raising $5,000 to plant at least 30 new trees in Cleveland Park with Trees for Houston. Their team will handle permitting, tree selection, professional planting, and two full years of watering and care—so these trees don’t just get planted, they survive and thrive.
If you love this park like we do, we’re asking you to step up and help restore the canopy we’ve lost. Without new shade, future generations won’t be able to enjoy this space the way we have.
You can dedicate a tree in memory of a loved one, a friend, or a beloved pet. Lets do this!