TYLER, Texas — The Smith County Master Gardeners, in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will host a free educational seminar titled “Healthy Trees in an Earth-Kind Environment” on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Tyler Rose Center Complex, with doors opening for registration at 8:30 AM.

Designed to help local residents understand and care for East Texas urban canopy and native ecosystems, the morning program features expert-led presentations and an outdoor guided tour:

• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Tree Physiology & Why Trees Don’t Heal

Luke Alfaro, Urban Forester and Arborist for the City of Tyler, will open the seminar with an insightful session exploring tree biology and the unique mechanics of how trees respond to damage and aging.

• 10:10 AM – 11:10 AM: The Importance of Trees in the East Texas Landscape

Smith County Master Gardener Elizabeth Waldrop will discuss how trees actively shape their surrounding environments and emphasize the vital role native trees play in supporting healthy, biodiverse East Texas ecosystems.

• 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM: Tour of the Trees – Tyler Botanical Garden

Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture Agent with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will lead participants on an interactive guided walk through the nearby Tyler Botanical Garden.

Event & Registration Details

• Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Registration at 8:30 AM)
• Location: Tyler Rose Center Complex, Tyler, TX
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Download Flyer: HERE
• Registration Link: Attendees can register online prior to the event at Healthy Trees in an Earth-Kind Environment