Grow Shade: The Trees Columbus Parks Project!
Leaves for Trees
Trees Columbus is pleased to announce the launch of our "Leaves for Trees" initiative at Lakebottom Park this autumn. This program is designed to leave fallen leaves in designated park areas to enrich the soil, rather than sending them to the landfill.
As the leaves begin to fall, you will notice these areas will have a different appearance than in previous years. Informational signage will be placed throughout the park to explain the benefits of this initiative to visitors.
We are very excited about this new program and wanted to bring it to your attention. This is a no cost program that will save on maintenance cost and improve park conditions tremendously.
Trees Columbus Awarded Grant
to “Grow Shade” in Columbus Parks
We are very excited to announce that Trees Columbus was awarded $900,000 from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Trees Across Georgia grant program to implement our “Grow Shade” park canopy restoration project over four years in communities in need of urban forestry assistance. To make the most of this funding, we need the community’s help more than ever!
Trees Columbus and Columbus Consolidated Government’s (CCG) Parks and Recreation Department have collaborated for years to renovate and activate Columbus parks through tree canopy restoration and other park improvements. Parks are the heart of the community. Columbus park tree canopy is in severe decline, which the current urban forestry program in Columbus cannot reverse. The Grow Shade project will improve the health of existing tree canopy and add canopy in areas of Columbus in need of urban forestry assistance.
The first parks on the planting list are Carver Park and Theo McGee Park and we plan to plant over 100 trees in these two parks during the 2024 planting season. Lakebottom Park is also designated as a park in need of urban forestry assistance. We are working with CCG to obtain a permit for tree work in Lakebottom Park. If Lakebottom is a priority area for you, contact your council representative and city officials and encourage them to work with Trees Columbus to restore tree canopy at Lakebottom.
Trees Columbus wants people to enjoy trees and spend time under healthy tree canopy because research has proven that it improves our mental and physical wellbeing. When we connect people with nature and green spaces, we make our community stronger, healthier, safer, and happier. We are ready to address the serious challenges our urban tree canopy currently faces, and we will need the community’s help.
What the grant funding does:
Pays for tree planting within the eligible area
Pays for arborist services related to tree planting in area of eligibility
Pays for a coordinator to implement the program within the eligible area
What the funding does NOT do:
Does not pay for Trees Columbus staff and/or operations
Does not pay for tree planting or arborist services outside the designated area of eligibility
Does not pay for arborist services outside designated area of eligibility
Does not pay for any park improvement other than tree planting
Does not pay for volunteer support expenses
What YOU can do to help Trees Columbus and Parks and Recreation “Grow Shade”
Contact your council representative and CCG officials! Remind them that trees are CRITICAL park infrastructure. Tell them you want healthy trees in the parks. What is a park without trees?
Make a donation to implement improvements not covered by grant expenses
Join Trees Columbus as a member so your voice makes a difference
Volunteer for tree planting and maintenance here.
Three Principles of the Grow Shade: Trees Columbus Parks Project
Environmental stewardship, including tree canopy resilience and watershed health
Community health and wellness, including access to both active and passive recreational amenities
Public education, including didactic landscapes that celebrate Columbus’ ecology and provide opportunities for the public to directly engage with the region’s natural heritage, promoting the next generation of environmental stewards
