Terrebonne Parish proclaims Jan. 24 Arbor Day; 400-tree giveaway announced

The Terrebonne Parish Council proclaimed Jan. 24, 2026 as Arbor Day and heard from planning staff and tree-board members about the parish's 20th annual tree giveaway.

Chris Pulaski, parish planning and zoning director and tree-board liaison, said the giveaway at the Main Branch Library (151 Library Drive, Houma) will begin at 9 a.m. and that this year the board doubled the supply to 400 container trees with a two-per-household limit. Pulaski said partners including Keep Terrebonne Beautiful and the Nature Conservancy are contributing larger container trees and project support: the Nature Conservancy's TreeZilience project provided a grant to inventory public-tree canopy and fund plantings, and the Conservancy will plant slightly more than 40 larger-caliper trees across four parish parks.

Pulaski outlined related educational programming, including a demonstration planting at the library and partner groups on site to advise residents on tree selection and care. The council also noted it would honor longtime tree-board member Barton Joffreon at the event.

The proclamation was signed by the parish president and council chair and the council encouraged residents to participate.