Puffy Pine Cone’s birthday party highlights this traditional event.

THE WOODLANDS, TX – (Friday, January 6, 2006) – Two community traditions – Arbor Day and the birthday of Puffy Pine Cone, official mascot of The Woodlands – will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21, 2006 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Market Street in The Woodlands Town Center, located at 9595 Six Pines Drive, according to Susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC).

Over 28,000 tree seedlings in eight different varieties will be distributed free to residents, continuing a 29-year tradition that began in 1977. The selection of trees includes Bald Cypress, Black Gum, Easterly Redbud, Loblolly Pines, Mayhaw, Nuttall Oaks, Willow Oaks and Yellow Poplar. The Community Associations of The Woodlands and TWDC are sponsors of the tree giveaway.

Over the years, the developer has given approximately 752,000 tree seedlings to community residents to help perpetuate the forested environment. In addition to receiving free tree seedlings, residents may register at the event to win five, 15-gallon native trees. The drawing will be held at 1:45 p.m., and entrants must be present to win.

Highlights of Arbor Day also include free games, face painting and free children’s gifts. Puffy’s birthday celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with complimentary cupcakes. Many of Puffy’s mascot friends have been invited to join in the birthday fun.

The popular youth hip-hop group, Savvy, with the opening act #1 Crush, featuring local talent, will perform from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the event.

“Arbor Day is a wonderful community event for families and children that is so much a part of The Woodlands’ hometown spirit,” said Vreeland-Wendt. “Families enjoy receiving the trees, planting them and watching them grow. Children enjoy the birthday festivities with Puffy Pine Cone and the entertainment.”

The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. It is a project of The Woodlands Development Company, a Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties limited partnership.