Hill College Continues Trail System Expansion with Oct. 9 Tree Planting Supported by Texas Trees Foundation and Atmos Energy
Ashlee Ferguson
Monday, October 12, 2026 11:04 AM
General Events
Hillsboro, TX
Hill College is continuing its investment in outdoor recreation and community spaces thanks to the Texas Trees Foundation and Atmos Energy. In addition to its financial support for the project, Atmos Energy volunteers and community members planted 100 trees on Friday, Oct. 9, beginning at 10 a.m. on the Hill College Hillsboro Campus.
The event is part of Hill College’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its campus trail system, creating additional opportunities for students, employees and community members to enjoy nature, wellness and outdoor recreation. The addition of trees will provide shade, enhance the natural landscape and help create a more welcoming trail experience as Hill College continues to develop its outdoor spaces.
“We are excited about what the future holds for the Hill College trail system,” said Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills. “These trails provide opportunities for wellness, recreation, education and community connection, and we want to continue building on that foundation. We are especially grateful to Atmos Energy and the Texas Trees Foundation for helping us grow these spaces and make our vision a reality.” 
Hill College’s trail system is designed to provide more than a place to walk. The trails offer opportunities for exercise and wellness, outdoor classroom and laboratory experiences, cross-country training and competition, nature exploration and community recreation.
The trails also complement Hill College’s broader vision for its campus grounds, providing spaces where students and visitors can step away from the classroom, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the natural beauty of the college’s Hillsboro campus.
“If we are serious about improving the health and learning outcomes of the students, we must start by improving the environments people move through every single day. The places between and around buildings matter just as much as what happens inside them. I applaud Hill College and Atmos Energy for investing in trees and trails and making green spaces for students a priority," said Janette Monear, President & CEO, Texas Trees Foundation.
The Oct. 9 tree planting event represents another step in the continued development of the Hill College trail system. As additional trees and natural features are incorporated into the trails, Hill College hopes to create a connected outdoor destination that can be enjoyed by the college and surrounding community for years to come.
“Every tree we plant is an investment in the future of this campus and the people who will enjoy it,” Mills added. “We look forward to seeing the trail system and our trees grow.”
About Texas Trees Foundation
The Texas Trees Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit, transforms communities by maximizing the benefits of trees to support human health. Through education, scientific research, and evidence-based design, Texas Trees is advancing urban forestry to reimagine our cities into greener, cleaner, cooler and healthier places to grow and thrive. For more information on Texas Trees and its impact, visit www.texastrees.org, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, a natural gas-only distributor, is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at atmosenergy.com, Facebook, X, and Instagram.