Planting Roots, Growing Community: Join Our Tree Ambassador Program at Southside ReLeaf
by Syd Collier, Southside ReLeaf Greening Coordinator
If you're reading this, chances are you already know a little bit about Southside ReLeaf and the work we’ve been doing in Richmond’s Southside over the past five years. Maybe you've seen us out planting trees, or maybe you've heard about our mission to bring more green space to the neighborhoods that need it most. Either way—welcome. We're glad you're here.
We began in 2019 with a simple but powerful idea: trees and green spaces have the potential to transform communities. That first planting at Blackwell Elementary, with 30 volunteers—neighbors, teachers, even the school principal—showed us what was possible when people come together with a shared purpose.
Volunteers ensure the new tree they’ve planted is standing straight at Blackwell Elementary in 2019.
But we knew from the beginning that real change takes more than just a few volunteers and a few trees. To truly grow green infrastructure in Southside, we need you. Your voice, your passion, and your presence.
If you live in the Southside, you’ve probably felt the effects of our changing climate. Summers are getting hotter, and without enough mature trees, shade is hard to come by. Flooding is more common, too, especially in areas without grassy spaces or rain gardens to absorb the water. These issues don’t just make daily life harder—they put our health and safety at risk.
Our mission is to support smart, sustainable greening efforts that help us adapt to climate change and protect our communities for generations to come. We believe everyone deserves access to safe, beautiful green spaces—no matter where they live.
A thermal image from Southside Plaza shows a temperature of 129 degrees in the unshaded parking lot. The purple color over the trees in the distance shows cooler temperatures in the shade.
Flooding after rainfall in Richmond that is covering a roadway and sidewalk at an intersection, captured through our “Go with the Flow” flood survey. There’s no where for the water to go.
And that brings us to something we’re really excited about: our Tree Ambassador Program (TAP).
TAP is a free volunteer training program designed for folks who want to get involved, learn more, and help lead the charge for a greener, healthier Southside. Whether you’re brand-new to urban forestry or just looking for a way to make a difference, this program is for you.
Over the course of two days, we’ll cover the basics—both in the classroom and out in the field—on how to care for young trees, advocate for more green infrastructure in your neighborhood, and become a steward for the environment right where you live. And if you decide to keep going, TAP is also a great stepping stone to other opportunities, like joining the Richmond Tree Stewards.
A community member practices pruning a tree using a hand saw at a 2022 pruning training hosted by the Richmond Tree Stewards and Southside ReLeaf.
The program is accessible for everyone, no matter your background or experience. There are hands-on learning opportunities throughout the year, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Because this isn’t just about trees. It’s about planting hope. It’s about growing equity. And it’s about building a more resilient Southside—together.
Topics Covered in TAP:
Urban forestry
Health impacts of urban greening
How to plant a tree 101
Advocating for young trees
Tools used in greening work
Safety best practices
TAP Training Registration
You can submit the form embedded below to register for the July 2025 or August 2025 session of Tree Ambassador Program. When you click the submit button at the bottom of the form, you’ll receive a confirmation message that we received your information.
Upcoming Training Dates
July 2025 Session
Day 1: Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Day 2: Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 9 - 11 am
August 2025 Session
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 4 - 8 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 9 - 11 am
Please plan to participate in both days of training for whichever session you register for.