Repair efforts and trees after devastating tornadoes
In the mid-1990s, Lancaster, Texas was the scene of a violent tornado that wiped out several hundred homes and devastated the downtown area. Following the disaster, the Foundation joined other groups as a member of the Lancaster ReBirth Committee. During 1994 and the first half of 1995, the Foundation facilitated a plan of action that called for a redesign of the Lancaster Central Business District (CBD), the replacement of thousands of mature native trees and the development of a greenbelt located within walking distance of downtown.
The Foundation solicited the assistance of area landscape architects to serve on a task force for the CBD. A design was produced and presented to the Lancaster City Council. The landscape architecture students at the University of Texas at Arlington completed a master plan for the greenbelt area and the Foundation provided over 2,000 trees to stricken residents.
The planting project culminated in a citywide celebration including an outdoor concert hosted by Willie Nelson.