In honor of Arbor Day in Texas, the Heritage Gardeners donated a tree and had it planted for 2011 at Friendswood Junior High, the newest campus to join Friendswood ISD. Located at the back of Centennial Park, the campus appreciated the addition of a tree by the experienced group of gardeners.
          A Mexican Plum tree was chosen to donate by the gardeners with the help of landscape professional Mark Fox of Mark Fox Landscaping in Bacliff. Fox joined FISD maintenance landscaper Marcelino Montecillo and Heritage Gardener Lydia Abuisi who was the coordinator for the donation.
          On March 3, a group of Heritage Gardeners joined members of FJH Language Art teacher, Nicole Ferro’s students by the tree for its formal dedication representing an Arbor Day planting. The group sang God Bless America and then had a student read a poem about trees aloud.
          Sixth grade Associate Principal Tammy Pipkin joined the group to thank them for their donation.
          Heritage Gardeners who attended the dedication at FJH included President Betty Jean Collier, Lydia Abuisi, Jo Brown, Patsy Bennett, Rosanne Malone, Janet Fleming, Adele Calvillo, Paricia Martin, Janie Olson, Laura Couillard, and Bunnye Baldwin.
          Heritage Gardeners, Inc. is dedicated to the horticultural enhancement of home and community. Founded in Friendswood in 1966, the group embodies the town’s unique Quaker heritage of strong educational values and a spirit of working together to build a better community.
          The group is best known for their Christmas and Spring Home and Garden Tours. They have hosted the events since their origin.
          The Heritage Gardeners sponsor a garden club for children ages 6-12. The youth are taught by Master Gardeners following a curriculum specially developed by Texas A&M University. Upon graduating, the young gardeners become certified as Texas Junior Master Gardeners.
          The young gardeners meet the second Thursday of each month after school, learning about gardening, the environment, insects, water conservation, while having fun on field trips and community service activities.