On Monday, September 23, 2024, the City of Petersburg will host a “Greening Petersburg: Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives” Open House from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Public Library Event Center. The City and its partners invite citizens to this free community event to gather feedback on proposed tree planting strategies for the City of Petersburg.

This event is an essential component of the City’s development of new policies for making the community greener, including developing a city-wide Strategic Tree Canopy Plan that emphasizes preserving tree canopies and adding green spaces, especially in low-income and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

"I am thrilled to invite our community to this Open House. Trees are important for keeping the city cool, beautifying parks and public spaces, reducing stormwater and providing habitat for birds and people. As natural air filters, trees create a healthier environment for all residents. This initiative is vital for enhancing the quality of life in our city by focusing on sustainability and resilience,” shared Petersburg Council Member Marlow Jones. “We are committed to developing our comprehensive Strategic Tree Canopy Plan to prioritize green spaces, especially in our underserved neighborhoods. I encourage all residents to join us, share insights, and contribute to shaping a greener Petersburg."

Presenters will include Jones and Dr. Alton Hart, Director of the Crater Health District, local environmental justice leader Queen Zakia Shabazz, as well as arborists from the Green Infrastructure Center and co-founder Amy Wentz from grassroots forestry organization Southside ReLeaf, based in Richmond, Virginia. Presenters will speak from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will be available to answer questions.

Local organizations ranging from Petersburg League of Urban Growers to Friends of the Lower Appomattox River will be tabling throughout the evening, and residents can vote on which tree planting strategies they think are best for Petersburg at any time during the event. Children are welcome, and light refreshments will be provided.