Columbia Green and City of Columbia Collaborate to Plant Trees

News Summary

Columbia Green in partnership with the City of Columbia has launched the ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative, aiming to plant 1,290 trees in urban areas to combat rising temperatures. Backed by USDA funding and impressive community response, the program exceeds its original goals significantly. With environmental benefits and community involvement, the initiative is set to improve air quality and enhance the urban landscape. Tree distribution efforts are already underway, ensuring a greener and cooler Columbia for its residents.

Columbia Green and City of Columbia Team Up to Plant Trees and Cool the City Down

In an exciting new partnership, Columbia Green and the City of Columbia’s Forestry and Beautification Division have come together to launch the “Beat the Heat” initiative. This collaboration aims to tackle the rising temperatures in urban areas by planting an impressive 1,290 trees in just six months! And they’re way ahead of schedule, crushing their original five-year goal of 1,750 trees.

Funding for a Greener Future

So what’s driving this green revolution? The initiative kicked off with funding from a USDA grant, which is administered through the Arbor Day Foundation and has backing from the Inflation Reduction Act. Columbia residents have been feeling the heat lately, with a whopping 22 percent loss of urban canopy over the last decade and a half due to private property development. This loss leads to a host of environmental issues, including the formation of urban heat islands, increased air pollution, and respiratory problems for many residents.

Serving Communities to Plant More Trees

Originally, the plan was to plant 1,500 trees in neighborhoods designated by the USDA as Justice40 areas within city limits, with an additional 250 trees funded by Columbia Green itself. However, the community response has been incredible! Despite the program’s launch only being in July 2024, residents have made over 1,000 tree requests in just six months, with nearly 900 requests coming from neighborhoods that don’t even fall under the USDA grant’s umbrella.

Keeping the Momentum Going

Despite challenges, including the termination of some program funding by the former administration in February 2025, Columbia Green and supportive organizations have ensured that the program didn’t lose steam. All 1,290 trees requested were fully funded and ready to go with the help of additional grants from International Paper through the Arbor Day Foundation along with some generous private donations.

Tree Distribution is Underway

As of March 3, 2025, a total of 870 five-to-seven-gallon shade trees were delivered for distribution, particularly targeting areas outside the Justice40 zones. Columbia’s Public Works trucks are gearing up to deliver another 319 trees to 316 eager participants within the city limits. Excitingly, help is also being sought from neighboring municipalities to distribute an additional 151 trees in Lexington County and 400 trees in Richland County.

Connecting with the Community

Columbia Green wants to ensure that everyone can get involved. For those who can’t make it to informative luncheons about the tree program, you can still snag a tree by reaching out to them at BTHTrees@Columbigreen.org. It’s that simple!

Understanding the Need for Trees

A study conducted in 2022 revealed significant temperature disparities in various parts of Columbia. In fact, some regions with minimal tree cover rank in the 98th percentile nationally for asthma and related respiratory illnesses, making these new trees even more important for the health and well-being of residents.

What Happens Next?

Property owners who receive these free trees are responsible for planting and maintaining them, but don’t worry! They will receive handy assistance, including planting instructions and even a “rain diaper” to help with watering. Over the next five years, free educational luncheons will be held to discuss tree selection and care. Plus, residents can register to receive a free tree during the prime planting seasons, which run from November to March.

The call for more greenery in Columbia can only mean good things. As the city continues to plant more beautiful trees, it’s clear they’re working hard to create a cooler, healthier urban environment for everyone!

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Star: Beat the Heat Plant a Tree
• ABC Columbia: City of Columbia Giving Away Trees
• Cola Today: Consider Planting a Tree
• Google Search: Urban Heat Islands
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Heat Island