Big crowds expected for Sweet and Green event

SAN ANTONIO — If history repeats itself, hundreds of people will start showing up at Monterrey Park on West Commerce long before daylight Saturday, as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department gets ready to give away 1,000 fruit trees for free.

Even though the distribution is scheduled to start at 8 a.m., they know that in the past lines have started to form around 5am because people are anxious to take advantage of the valuable offer.

They call the event Sweet and Green.

“There are lots of wonderful varieties like peach, pomegranate, lemon, lime, key lime, fig. The list goes on. It’s a wonderful selection and it’s a great way to celebrate spring and bring a beautiful tree to your home,” Meredith Tilley, with Parks, said.

In addition to saving money, Tilley said growing fruit trees is one of the best ways to focus on health.

“Talking about healthy eating, healthy food, access to healthy fruits it’s so important.  So it’s a great conversation starter,” Tilley said.

Bexar Branches Alliance is an all-volunteer organization that works to improve tree canopy cover locally.

Trees, they said, are a great way to help Mother Nature help us.

David Vaughan is on the board of directors for Bexar Branches Alliance 

“Nothing in Texas is more important than shade and the cooling effect of a tree, the oxygen that’s produced by the tree. The water retention.  All those things are benefits to the community,” Vaughan, who has decades of experience in nurturing trees, said.

Organizers expect the parking lot to be full and they have made arrangements at the school across the street to handle overflow. Still they said the early bird will get the fruit at this first come, first served event at Monterrey Park at 5909 West Commerce. 

There is a one tree per household limit but organizers said if you miss this event, you can still get growing by attending future events.