Honor Camp Mystic: Plant Cypress Trees

I plan to plant Bald Cypress trees along the Guadalupe River at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Hi, I’m Beau Itschner—a Kerr county native and local landscape contractor. Initially, this idea to help was born out of a dream— to plant 28 trees at Camp Mystic in memory of the campers, counselors, and Dick Eastland. I had two daughters there that night of July 4th, 2025– both (praise God) are ok. The Eastland family is a dear friend. The Smajstrla family is a dear friend. For the other families I don’t know as closely—I feel strongly called to plant a nice tree for each of you. Camp Mystic—I love. I would like to start there and get those 28 trees planted first . Planting them in a natural way—along the river’s edge— with intentions to restore habitat as well as make a positive impact environmentally. The tree specification I am aiming for each tree is: 60” box, 9-10” trunk caliper, 20’+ tall x 10’+ wide. This type of specification is a bigger and older tree than a normal residential project, for example. A size decision like this I’m considering many factors like: honoring loved ones, large scale of the planting area (so many big 100 year old trees lost), instant gratification, etc. All funds will go toward planting 28 nice Bald Cypress trees along the Guadalupe River at Camp Mystic. Funds will go to, be distributed by, and used by me, Beau Itschner. Funds will be used to buy, deliver, and handle the trees—also, labor and equipment to manage and get them planted—additionally, other potential costs like soil amendments, staking, and irrigation infrastructure—lastly, funds will be used for follow up tree care. All these efforts will go to Camp Mystic in the form of planted trees. Camp mystic is a customer of mine—so I know how to get this done successfully. If funding goals are not met—tree specification can come down in size to make an impact toward our quantity goals. This idea is important for the greater areas beyond the initial scope of work. If there are additional funds I would like to continue planting trees along the river. There are other areas and ideas. One—there is a strip of land, more of a natural area, between the highway and the river where the specifications and project goals could change to more of a riparian focus—smaller tree/plant sizes but more quantity to enhance and restore that natural area. Also some big pecans, oaks, elms, sycamores, and other tree varieties were lost that I’d like to get back out there, so many and big old ones—getting trees back, jump starting that process, shade, privacy, and restoring habitat is important. The planting efforts will be along the Guadalupe river—this idea is for everyone’s enjoyment and has potential to be environmentally impactful. All I do is think about landscape design, construction, maintenance, and I love the Texas Hill Country. That is what I know and love— this an idea for how I can help my beloved hometown. Thank you in advance!