Upcoming Events
Come see Colleen live at community classes, garden talks, and seasonal demos around Central Texas.
Fall Permafest 2026
The Legendary Community collaboration to take health, and water back into our hands. Planting Trees and restoring the water cycle. Increasing infiltration for the future children of the soil. Incredible speakers, and hands on experiences to transform your life & surroundings. Live Music, Food, Giveaways, Raffles and more at our off-grid permaculture paradise in progress. Mulch Love.
The full event will take place on October 17-18, but join Colleen Dieter at 4pm on October 17th to learn about fruit tree propagation.
Tree ID Walk: Mabel Davis Park
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to Mabel Davis Park to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader in the main parking lot, next to the pool entrance.
This walk will be led by Colleen Dieter, the owner of ATXGardens.com
Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist, fruit tree expert and has over 20 years of pro experience as a gardener and landscaper in Central Texas with a specialty in native plant maintenance. She is a top gardening educator and mentor and has taught hundreds of workshops and classes. As the host of the ATX Gardens podcast, she reminds listeners of what to do right now in their gardens and landscapes. She prevents extinction of plants that are important to Central Texans through her leadership as founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, a project of Fruitful Commons.
The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This class is free and open to anyone, but please register to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian: volunteer@treefolks.org, (512) 761-8738 cell
CTSS Fruit Savers Heirloom Fruit Tree Class
Texas' historic fruit tree varieties have mostly gone extinct, but some species are still holding on. Walker Pickens and Colleen Dieter will discuss what gardeners can do to help preserve heirloom fruit trees in Central Texas.
Tree ID Walk: Twin Oaks Library
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are partnering with the Twin Oaks Library to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader at the front entrance of the Twin Oaks Library
This walk will be led by Bailey Hoops, a clinically trained herbalist, certified permaculture designer and certified with the Native Plant Society of Texas in Landscaping with Native Plants. She also volunteers with The Native Plant Society of Texas, Central Texas Seed Savers, Treefolks and Travis County Master Gardeners. Her greatest passions are butterflies, native medicinal plants, and leading plant walks. You can learn more about her landscaping services, classes, and plant walks at her bio link: https://www.atxgardens.com/bailey-hoops
Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This training is free and open to anyone, but please register to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian: volunteer@treefolks.org, (512) 761-8738 cell
Tree ID Walk: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Tree ID Walk: Waterloo Park
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to Waterloo Park to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader at the Meredith Heritage Tree Deck, 1301 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Parking information is available on the Waterloo Greenway website.
The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian
email: volunteer@treefolks.org
cell: (512 )761-8738
Tree ID Walk: Circle Acres
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to Circle Acres to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Special thanks to Ecology Action for hosting this event at their Circle Acres Nature Preserve. Parking info is available on their website.
The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This class is free and open to anyone, but please register to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian: volunteer@treefolks.org, (512) 761-8738 cell
Hill Country Bloomers Butterfly Gardening
Want to see more butterflies in your own backyard?
Join gardening expert Colleen Dieter for Gardening with Butterflies! With over 20 years of experience gardening in Central Texas, Colleen will share practical tips for choosing plants and providing the food, water, and shelter these important pollinators need to thrive.
This is a free event, but you must register in advance, using the button below.
Tree ID Walk: Carver Library
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are partnering with the Carver Library and the Carver Museum to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader at the front entrance of the Carver Library.
The Carver Library and Carver Museum are partnering to provide nature-based programming that connects the community with the outdoors, environmental education, and hands-on learning experiences.
This walk will be led by Colleen Dieter, the owner of ATXGardens.com. Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist, fruit tree expert and has over 20 years of pro experience as a gardener and landscaper in Central Texas with a specialty in native plant maintenance. She is a top gardening educator and mentor and has taught hundreds of workshops and classes. As the host of the ATX Gardens podcast, she reminds listeners of what to do right now in their gardens and landscapes. She prevents extinction of plants that are important to Central Texans through her leadership as founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, a project of Fruitful Commons. The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This class is free and open to anyone, but please register to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian: volunteer@treefolks.org, (512) 761-8738 cell
Tree ID Walk: Austin Central Library
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to the Austin Central Library to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader by the East entrance to the library, along Shoal Creek.
This walk will be led by Colleen Dieter, the owner of ATX Gardens.com. Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist and fruit tree expert with over 20 years of professional experience as a gardener and landscaper in Central Texas, specializing in native plant maintenance. She is a top gardening educator and mentor, having taught hundreds of workshops and classes. As the host of the ATX Gardens podcast, she reminds listeners of what to do right now in their gardens and landscapes. She prevents the extinction of plants important to Central Texans through her leadership as the founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, a project of Fruitful Commons. The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds, with a mission to prevent the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education, and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This training is free and open to anyone, but please register to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gillian: volunteer@treefolks.org, (512) 761-8738 cell
NPSOT Austin Chapter: CTSS and Seed Saving How-To
The Austin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will feature Central Texas Seed Savers in a special Seed-Saving presentation led by Colleen Dieter.
Social time will begin at 6:30 PM, and the presentation will be from 7-8 PM.
We meet upstairs in an administration building just across the street from the church. Only street parking is available.
Note: The elevator to the second floor has been out of service. Steps are required to get to the second floor.
The meeting has a Zoom hybrid option as well. If you want to attend online, you must register here.
Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) Level 1
Learn from Bailey Hoops and Holly Wilson about the benefits of native plants, desirable plants for your area and design considerations for your landscape.
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes
Learn the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes
Understand the differences between sustainable and conventional development
Discover your Texas ecoregion, vegetation, and soil.
Become familiar with 45 native Texas plants recommended for your landscape and 5 plants to avoid
The Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is a four-level certification program that teaches the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes. Classes focus on the characteristics and plants of the region in which they are taught. Check it out.
Tiny Talks Volume 9
Tiny Talks are a quarterly showcase of weird, fascinating and inspiring talks from the people that shape Austin. Think: “show & tell” for adults, in the form of 5-8 minute PowerPoint presentations.
Colleen Dieter will be one of the speakers, and she’ll share the story of Central Texas Seed Savers. Speakers are scheduled between 8-9:30pm during the event.
Tree ID Walk: Zilker Botanical Garden
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to the Zilker Botanical Garden to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader at the Flag Pole!
The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This Tree ID Walk will be led by Bailey Hoops, a clinically trained herbalist, specializing in bioregional herbalism (Texas native medicinal plants). Bailey studied with the Austin Permaculture Guild (austinperm.com) and is certified in Permaculture Design. She is also is certified with the Native Plant Society of Texas in Landscaping with Native Plants (https://www.npsot.org/our-work/class-schedule/native-landscape-certification/). Since completing the Native Landscape Certification program she continues to volunteer with Austin NPSOT Chapter, TreeFolks, and CTX Seed Savers, where she teaches plant knowledge and leads plant walks for the program.
Seed Saving Basics with Colleen Dieter
Discover the rewarding practice of saving seeds and preserving plant diversity for future generations. Whether you are a beginning gardener or an experienced grower, this class will provide practical knowledge and simple techniques to help you save, store, and share seeds with confidence.
This event is free, and no RSVP is required.
BioBlitz II: The Ripening
The Fruit Savers project seeks to locate and identify hardy local fruit producing specimens, for the purpose of protecting, harvesting, and propagating these resilient trees for current and future generations! Specifically we're looking for trees that are surviving and thriving with minimal human intervention, whether that's an ancient forgotten pear tree on the site of an old homestead or a feral peach growing on a fence-line.
Our first BioBlitz of 2026 focused on identifying fruit trees by their eye-catching early spring blooms. Mid-summer to early fall presents our next great opportunity to track down fruit-bearing trees, as their mature and ripe fruit makes them more conspicuous.
A BioBlitz is an event where everyday volunteers work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible within a specific area. We are using iNaturalist to track observations in our BioBlitz. For each iNaturalist observation, please include images of the tree's FRUIT, LEAVES, TRUNK, and FULL PROFILE (along with any other identifying features you notice).
The Fruit Savers are a working group of Central Texas Seed Savers, a project of Fruitful Commons. Funding for this year’s BioBlitz comes from the City of Austin’s Urban Forest Grant. To learn how to use iNaturalist and participate in our Fruit Tree Bio Blitz, click the button below.
Wild Spirit Wild Places 3rd Annual Pollinator Celebration
Help Wild Spirit Wild Places celebrate National Pollinator Week!
3rd Annual Pollinator Celebration 🐝🌼
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating the powerful connection between native plants and pollinators. Protecting and promoting pollinator health and diversity is essential for the well-being of both nature and people—and everyone can play a part in supporting them.
GUEST SPEAKERS • FREE NATIVE PLANTS • AND MORE!
FREE AND FUN FOR ALL AGES!
A special panel discussion featuring pollinator and native plant experts will take place from 12:00-1:00 PM.
Vista Brewing offers a lovely tasting room featuring craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages and locally sourced Sunday Brunch menu.
Your participation will help create and preserve pollinator habitats across Texas! Together, we’ll learn simple, practical steps to make every yard, garden, and green space more pollinator‑friendly.Make it stand out
Oak Hill Plant Fest
Colleen will be teaching a class at this festival on how to save vegetable seeds and hosting a community seed swap. 🌱
Come learn how to preserve seeds from your garden and share varieties with other growers!
Bio Blitz
Growing fruit in Texas is not for the faint of heart. Between our heat, the cold snaps, drought, pests, and diseases, it can be very difficult to keep fruit trees healthy, happy, and producing delicious fruit. At the same time, it’s not unusual to stumble across a tree that is thriving and producing fruit against the odds–perhaps an ancient pear tree growing on the site of an old homestead, a wild peach tree sprouted from a discarded pit, or a locally-adapted fig tree that’s been passed down across multiple generations through cuttings. We believe it’s important to preserve the genetics of these hardy varieties, for the sake of biodiversity and building more resilient local food systems in the face of climate change.
Supported by an Urban Forest Grant through the City of Austin, Fruit Savers seek to identify, propagate, and share these special trees with the public. Community engagement is a crucial part of the project’s mission, and we hold regular classes, grafting workshops, scion swaps, and other meetups to raise awareness and empower the public to participate in our preservation efforts.
Are you interested in getting involved? Do you know of a fruit tree that is thriving without much human intervention? Please reach out to us at centraltexasfruitproject@gmail.com.
If you use INaturalist, please add your observations of fruit trees to our Heirloom Fruit Tree Preservation Project. Our INaturalist BioBlitz runs from Feb 21-March 8, 2026, brought to you by Central Texas Seed Savers, ATXGardens.com and Austin Urban Forest Grant.
Want to book Colleen for your next event?
