Community-Wide Planting Day Works For A Greener Louisville

Brightside will hold its fall planting event Saturday, November 4 at the intersection of the Parkland, California and Park Hill neighborhoods. Volunteers will join Brightside, who has partnered with the Division of Community Forestry, The Nature Conservancy, Brown-Forman, and UPS to plant approximately 160 trees on Virginia Avenue and 25th Street.

“Trees are a terrific investment because they have been shown to positively impact the health of our residents, environment and economy,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I am glad to see Brightside add to the impact they made with last’s year planting so that once these trees mature, they will see a significant increase in green.”

In addition to improving the overall aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhoods, planting trees improves storm water management, increases property value, reduces urban heat island effect, improves air quality, and lowers energy costs.

“By going out into the community and planting trees, Brightside hopes to start a ripple effect amongst residents,” Brightside Director Gina O’Brien said. “Brightside encourages community members to join in on beautifying their own neighborhood.”

Brightside’s recent plantings, as well as those of other Metro and non-profits partners, have been focused in west Louisville, where an increase in tree canopy is needed. This year’s 160 trees will be planted adjacent to last year’s planting of 120 trees. Brightside also planted 150 trees on West Broadway in 2015 and 80 trees near Chickasaw Park in 2014.

On Saturday, November 4 at 10 a.m., Brightside will meet volunteers at the corner of 26th & Virginia in front of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church. A limited supply of shovels and other tools will be provided by Brightside, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools. All ages are invited to attend the event.

There is still time for volunteers to register. To register, volunteers can fill out a form at Brightside’s website here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/brightside/community-wide-planting-day