We are thrilled to announce that we reached our goal of planting 600 large native trees this season! Between November 2017 and March 2018, over 527 local volunteers rallied to plant in the Mid-City, Algiers, Broadmoor, Freret and Climana communities! Since our June 2016 launch we have planted 790 large native trees.
Our small staff of just two people is humbled and inspired by the commitment of all of you who showed up time and again to tirelessly plant trees because you believe that our city deserves a thriving urban forest. Planting trees is hard physical work, but by coming together as a critical mass we are making a real and tangible impact on our urban canopy, and consequently on stormwater runoff, subsidence, air, water and soil pollution, air temperatures and energy bills, and of course beauty. (Check out our updated map of all of our trees!)
Achieving this goal would not have been possible without the ongoing support and advice from our friends at The New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, our sponsors, and our volunteers! Last but certainly not least, thanks to Arborist Tim Benton and Benton Tree Services for providing an unending supply of mulch, expertise, trailers, and Tree Tips by Tim.
Trees of the Greenway Walking Tour
Did you know that the Lafitte Greenway is home to 500 new trees? Join our Executive Director, Susannah Burley, for a tour of the trees along the Lafitte Greenway. You’ll learn about the different species, proper maintenance techniques, and how the park’s green infrastructure impacts stormwater runoff in the area. THIS Saturday, March 24, 2-3:30pm. Meet at 628 N Claiborne Ave at Lemann Playground. RSVP online.
Earth Day Mulch Fest
This Earth Day we’ll be maintaining the urban forest. We will be giving away mulch to SOUL’s friends, courtesy of Benton Tree Services and mulching some of our trees in Mid-CIty. Second Line Brewing beer served afterwards to all volunteers.
Where? Benton Tree Services’ Yard, 2156 Agriculture St, NOLA 70122
When? Saturday, April 21, 10am-12pm
*Bring your pick up trucks and containers. Tim Benton will be on site to load pick ups with his front end loader.
Sign up online to volunteer. You will receive location information via email.
What’s Next?
Just because planting season is over doesn’t mean our work is done. In fact, we are beginning our preparation for next planting season.
This spring and summer we will be working on policies that establish criteria for heritage trees, and policies that protect valuable trees on private property.
This is also the time when we perform the majority of our community outreach and engagement, while also fundraising for planting trees, including our annual fundraising party!
We will also be updating our tree palette for the next season, putting trees on reserve, and hosting our community education series (stay tuned). And don’t forget: it’s never too early to send in your permits for trees next year! (You can download a permit here.) Send them to outreach@soulnola.org once signed by the homeowner.
Keep track of our exciting upcoming events by visiting our events page.
Thanks to the University of Georgia for planting our 600th tree of this season in the Freret community! (That’s it in the photo!)
Thank you to Susquehanna University volunteers for helping us unstake last year’s Algiers trees, stake new ones, and mulch them all!