In 2011, the state of Texas was experiencing the peak of a record breaking drought. With just a total of little more than 14 inches of rainfall, it was the driest year the state had ever recorded. Due to the extremely high temperatures of the summertime, many lakes and rivers fell victim to evaporation. The once flowing waters were now little more than thick mud in many parts. For some places, it would reshape the entire landscape. Five year later, Bastrop County is still reeling from the deadly Labor Day wildfires that destroyed the millions of pine trees that once stood there. However, this doesn't mean all hope is lost for the areas environment.

The scale of this disaster seen from an aerial perspective.  Scorched trees still line the road in some parts.  The same scene continues for miles when you peak into what used to be the dense forrest. — The scale of this disaster seen from an aerial perspective. Scorched trees still line the road in some parts. The same scene continues for miles when you peak into what used to be the dense forrest.

In October of 2015, Mango Foundation teamed up with TreeFolks, a non profit organization in Austin, TX which has over 25 years of planting experience in Central Texas. Over the past three years, TreeFolks has planted over 1.3 million trees in Bastrop, with an end goal of 2 million trees planted in the area by 2018. This, on top of the resiliency of the local community volunteers in Bastrop and Central Texas demonstrates the determination of the entire community to the reforestation efforts. The future is looking brighter everyday for the next Pines of Bastrop.