The City of Austin’s Urban Forest Program has begun preparing for the 5th Annual Roots & Wings Festival and invites area nonprofits, City partners and other community groups to participate in this combined celebration of Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day.

Area nature enthusiasts are encouraged to apply to host a Roots & Wings community event. This two-week festival, which is free to participants, offers many opportunities to bring the festival close to home and connect communities. Multiple City of Austin departments and external partners support this annual event. This year's Roots & Wings Festival will focus on amplifying the efforts of the diverse organizations that help connect the Austin community with nature.

“This year, we're excited to support events planned by organizations across our community,” said Emily King, the City of Austin's Urban Forester. “By moving fully into this model, we know that the Roots & Wings Festival will have a greater reach and stronger cultural significance, allowing more of our Austin neighbors to reap the many benefits nature provides.”

Funding is available to help support community-led programming. Additional resources, such as marketing and programmatic support, are available to all accepted applicants. To be eligible for participation and potential funding, partners must submit completed applications by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. Learn more about funding to help support community-led programming here. 

Participating organizations must plan to host events between Saturday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 5, and proposed events must align with the Festival’s mission of “celebrating Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day and connecting all members of our community to nature by advancing equitable access.” Organizations that traditionally do not offer nature-based programming and those who work with communities in high-priority zones identified in the Community Tree Priority Map are strongly encouraged to apply.

Throughout its brief history, the Roots & Wings Festival has sought to better connect Austinites to trees, pollinators and nature. This year’s festival holds extra significance, occurring months after Austin earned its certification as a Bee City USA Affiliate, recognizing our community’s commitment to conserving pollinators.

Potential participants with questions can contact Jess Wright, Roots & Wings Festival Program Coordinator, at rootsandwings@austintexas.gov.