Groundwork RVA, Capital One and Arbor Day Foundation to Celebrate Earth Month with Tree Planting in South Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. – On April 24, Groundwork RVA will partner with Capital One and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 50 trees at Sankofa Community Orchard, a community garden in Richmond’s Southside that promotes a variety of fruit trees and agroecology to enhance food access in the city. An additional 50 trees will be distributed for other planting projects in Richmond as part of the Earth Month celebration.
“The pandemic highlighted what we’ve known for quite some time and exposed many of the gaps in our community,” said Rob Jones, executive director of Groundwork RVA. “For many families in South Richmond, that includes a lack of access to fresh foods, green spaces and even shade from trees. All of this leads to lower life expectancy, greater health risks and challenges that makes it harder to survive, let alone thrive.”
“That’s why we’re thankful to receive funding from Capital One and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant more trees and build healthier neighborhoods,” Jones added. “This work is not only vital for our communities today but the survival of future generations, especially as we tackle climate change.”
"Greenspace and access to fresh food is vital to the communities we serve. We are proud to work with Groundwork RVA and the Arbor Day Foundation to help address those needs here in Richmond,” said Andrew Green, Director of Capital One's Office of Environmental Sustainability.
“We are proud to encourage and support local efforts to plant trees. Cities and towns around the globe that line their streets and fill their parks with trees are building healthier, happier communities” said Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation.
Groundwork RVA works with Richmond youth to facilitate environmental, economic and social well-being in neighborhoods by transforming blighted and neglected open spaces into public assets. In the past year, the organization has planted and cared for more than 375 trees on urban farms, playgrounds, school campuses and streetscapes.
“Healthy communities need healthy people,” said Jones. “One way we can help make that happen is by planting more trees and staying committed to improving the overall quality of life for our neighbors.”
To learn more about this event and other volunteer opportunities, visit groundworkrva.org.
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About Groundwork RVA
Groundwork RVA is a community-based non-profit working to transform the natural and built environment of Richmond, VA. We work on community supported initiatives towards the goal of a greener and more resilient Richmond that works for all. Through inclusive, meaningful community engagement and cross-sector collaboration, Groundwork RVA creates learning and hands-on skills-based opportunities for a greener, more sustainable future that includes youth voice and emphasizes the needs of historically disenfranchised communities. Learn more at groundworkrva.org.
About the Arbor Day Foundation: Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the last 45 years, more than 350 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.