Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for a tree planting at Branch's Baptist Church in Southside Richmond. Volunteers will work together to plant 30 trees (a mix of small understory trees and hardwoods) to reforest and transform an area that was previously covered by asphalt. The trees are in 5-7 gallon pots, so they are easy for volunteers to move. The trees will provide shade and green space, absorb rainwater and pollution, and expand tree canopy in an area suffering from urban heat island effect.

CBF has worked closely with several partners, including Branch's Baptist Church, to reduce impervious surfaces and increase tree canopy as part of the Greening Southside Richmond Project. The project's goal is to cool the area, improve health outcomes for residents, and decrease polluted runoff. Through our partnership so far, we have been able to reduce 23,000 square feet of asphalt and concrete on the church's property, 5,000 of which was an unused basketball court. We have already amended the soil to improve the microbiome in preparation for this planting.

We will provide all tools, gloves, and instructions needed for a successful planting. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring your own water bottle. Please register in advance so we can bring the appropriate number of tools.

Please keep in mind that we have limited the number of volunteers who can participate in this event. If you find that your schedule or health prevent you from being able to attend, please notify us immediately so we can recruit another volunteer in your place.

If you have questions, please contact Gabby Troutman via email at gtroutman@cbf.org or by phone at 804-258-1605.

This event is co-sponsored with City of Richmond Parks and Recreation Department.