Excitement filled the air as thousands of cyclists, volunteers and Houstonians of all backgrounds gathered at Discovery Green on Sunday morning, April 7, for the Tour de Houston bike ride. Apache was honored to sponsor the ride, which closely aligns with the company’s focus on environmental stewardship and partnering with organizations that enhance green spaces. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s urban reforestation program, Replant Houston. Since 2005, the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program has donated more than 5 million trees to partners across the United States and United Kingdom, with nearly half a million trees granted to the Greater Houston area.
“At Apache, we believe in the importance of acting as responsible stewards of the environment and taking tangible steps to conserve it for future generations,” said Castlen Kennedy, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and Marketing. “Partnering with the city we call home to bring Houstonians together for a great cause is an honor for Apache. We thank Mayor John Whitmire for continuing the legacy of tree planting as part of the Tour de Houston.”
At the ride, employees cheered for each other as Apache riders flew past the finish line, fostering a sense of camaraderie and reminding everyone of the importance of gathering as a community for a meaningful cause.
“Participating in the Tour de Houston with my family was such a special experience, especially knowing that it supports the conservation and beautification of our city so that my kids can continue to enjoy the outdoors like we did on Sunday,” said Roli B., human resources supervisor. “Apache brought the energy to this event and I’m excited to see how our contributions continue to impact Houston’s landscape and communities.”
In celebration of Earth Day, part of the ride’s proceeds will fund the planting of 2,500 trees at Watonga Park, where Houston Parks and Recreation, along with Apache volunteers and company leaders, will gather to plant the trees in a single day.