We now realize that the trees our grandparents planted are quickly disappearing. Because of urban sprawl, native vegetation is being destroyed and replaced by asphalt and concrete. In the desert southwest, not enough of the better-adapted tree species are being included in urban development.

The West Texas Urban Forestry Council (WTUFC), whose members are known as Los Tree Amigos, is a coalition of people who are interested in protecting and developing the urban community forest resources of West Texas. The Council wants to provide the most recent information and technological advances in tree care and maintenance.