Brookhaven Park Conservancy Tree Planting Set For March 20

From the City of Brookhaven:

Saturday, March 20, beginning at 9 a.m.

Eighteen 8-10 feet tall Little Gem Magnolias and Green Giant Thujas are being sourced from wholesale nurseries by Justin Viens, Conservancy board member and president of landscaping company Southern Gardener. Justin will be overseeing the project and coordinate the planting with the help of Conservancy volunteers, which include Boy Scout Troop 379. The tree planting project is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, beginning at 9 a.m. Park supporters and others willing to help plant trees in Brookhaven Park should contact the Brookhaven Park Conservancy at www.brookhavenparkconservancy.org.

Historic Brookhaven resident Robert Kamm, whose yard borders the project, commented, “The goal of this tree planting project is great, and in my opinion, greatly benefits the entire community by improving this forested area of the park. This area of the park has a wonderful wooded walking trail and is home to many native bird species.”

Instrumental to the success of this project is Boy Scout Troop 379 from St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Assistant Scoutmaster Jay Schmitt explained, “Troop 379 is thrilled to be included in this effort to plant new trees. We hope our efforts will improve the park for all to enjoy, a truly unique peaceful place in a busy city. Several of our Eagle Scout candidates are working on individual projects to help improve the park.“

Brookhaven City Councilmember Madeleine Simmons commented, “For over 10 years, the Brookhaven Park Conservancy has actively improved Brookhaven Park for the benefit of all users, and this project is the Conservancy's second major tree planting initiative. We are funding an important tree planting in Brookhaven Park’s wooded area, a cherished natural oasis in the center of our City. I appreciate Park Pride’s financial and organizational support of the Brookhaven Park Conservancy and the City of Brookhaven's many parks.”

Park Pride is an Atlanta nonprofit organization that engages communities in their neighborhood parks through volunteer projects, community gardens, and community-led park redesigns and by providing grants for capital park improvements. Since 1989, Park Pride has been active in greenspace advocacy by educating civic leaders and the general public about the benefits of parks.

"Great parks are places where nature is allowed and encouraged to thrive," said Park Pride's Friends of the Park Manager Kayla Altland. "Funded by the Home Depot Foundation, our $2,500 Small Change Grant will help pay for the planting of native trees and the completion of a trail through the woods, both of which will not only beautify the park, but will enhance the health of the environment and the people who enjoy it." Learn more about Park Pride at www.parkpride.org

Founded in 2008, the Brookhaven Park Conservancy is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization that relies on volunteer support and donated materials and funds to improve and beautify the park. For this project, Conservancy seeks out volunteers for a tree planting workday in late March.

“We are happy to be making progress improving Brookhaven Park’s ecology with substantial and much-needed trees. Many thanks to Park Pride and the City of Brookhaven for the funds to get us started,” said Thad Ellett, President of Brookhaven Park Conservancy. For anyone that would like to volunteer time or resources, simply follow the plans of the conservancy, or make a donation for more Brookhaven Park improvement projects, please reach out to the Conservancy at www.brookhavenparkconservancy.org. There are many areas where volunteers can help Brookhaven Park.

Click here to read the full press release.

This press release was produced by the City of Brookhaven. The views expressed here are the author’s own.