City of Valdosta Receives Georgia ReLeaf Grant to Restore Tree Canopy After Hurricane Idalia
City of Valdosta Receives Georgia ReLeaf Grant to Restore Tree Canopy After Hurricane Idalia
The City of Valdosta is pleased to announce that it was awarded a $6,300 grant from the Georgia ReLeaf program, a collaborative initiative by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), the Georgia Tree Council (GTC), and the U.S. Forest Service. The grant aims to support communities affected by Hurricane Idalia by providing funds for tree-planting projects.
The Arbor Division is responsible for the city's tree management and will utilize the grant to plant 64 trees at Sunset Hill Cemetery. This funding aligns with the city's ongoing efforts to maintain a sustainable community forest with native species and enhance diversity within the urban landscape. While the Arbor Division and Valdosta Tree Commission regularly select sites for tree installation each year, the city faced a substantial loss of tree canopy in 2023 due to Hurricane Idalia. The additional funds from the Georgia ReLeaf program are crucial for the community to extend its planting efforts and address the significant impact on the local tree population.
Increasing the tree canopy in Valdosta will not only contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the city but will also have positive effects on environmental health. The planted trees will provide essential shade, improve air quality, reduce noise, and help minimize stormwater runoff.
The City of Valdosta will host Georgia Arbor Day at Sunset Hill Cemetery on Thursday, February 15, at 10 am to showcase and celebrate this impactful project. This event will bring together city officials, community partners, and residents to highlight the importance of trees and acknowledge the benefits they bring to our environment.
As a proud Tree City USA community, the City of Valdosta remains committed to strategic planning, fostering partnerships, and promoting education about the significance of trees. The Georgia ReLeaf grant will enable Valdosta to take a significant step forward in replacing its city-owned trees and enhancing the overall green infrastructure.
For more information, contact Angela Bray at akbray@valdostacity.com.