Inmates give back by planting 40,000 trees in new project
If you drive around Hershey Park on the westside today, you might notice something fresh and new in time for spring. That's because of a planting project in order to reforest the park has just kicked off.
Some jail inmates in Houston helped plant some of the thousands of donated trees in a community service project to help reforest Hershey Park in the 600 block of North Eldridge.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office initiated the project Friday. Sheriff Adrian Garcia says it's important that the inmates give back to the community for any harm they may have caused.
The planting project is coordinated through the department's earned early release program for some inmates. About 40,000 trees have been donated by Tree Town USA and The Home Depot.
Supporters say the work will help inmates gain skills that could help them find jobs after they are released. Several other Houston-area parks have been part of the program.
