Expanding School Campus Reforestation at Boushall Middle School
Volunteers pose for a group photo at the end of the tree planting workday at Boushall Middle School on November 15, 2025.
As part of the Cool the City campaign, Southside ReLeaf partnered with volunteers, community organizations, and Richmond Public Schools staff to plant 34 new trees at Boushall Middle School — bringing much-needed shade and cooling infrastructure to one of Richmond’s hottest neighborhoods. The planting built on Southside ReLeaf’s ongoing efforts to reforest school campuses in South Richmond, recognizing schools as important and often-overlooked spaces for expanding tree canopy, improving student wellbeing, and advancing climate resilience.
The event brought together more than 50 multi-generational volunteers, including families with young children, college students, Tree Ambassadors, and community partners such as Groundwork RVA. Boushall librarian Barbara Haas played a key leadership role in organizing and championing the planting effort. Following the planting, Southside ReLeaf continued to provide long-term care and maintenance to help ensure the trees’ survival, including a follow-up workday in spring 2026 to stabilize trees impacted by strong winds. Today, the trees are healthy, supported, and continuing to grow — representing both a long-term environmental investment and strengthened relationships that can support future greening projects on Richmond school campuses.
Impact
Planted 34 trees at Boushall Middle School to increase shade and reduce urban heat impacts.
Engaged more than 50 multi-generational volunteers in hands-on greening and stewardship activities.
Mobilized Southside ReLeaf Tree Ambassadors, college students, families, and community partners to support the planting effort.
Strengthened relationships with Richmond Public Schools staff and community stakeholders to support future campus greening initiatives.
Advanced ongoing efforts to reforest school campuses in South Richmond.
Provided continued maintenance and follow-up care to support long-term tree health and survival.
Increased awareness of schools as important spaces for tree canopy expansion, resilience, and environmental equity.
Michael Gee (Richmond PRCF), Brian Scott, and Da’Vantae “Blue” Ballou (Groundwork RVA) demo how to plant a tree.
Boushall librarian Barbara Haas expresses her gratitude to the volunteers for their help planting 34 new trees.
Four volunteers work together to prepare a root ball for planting.
A crew, including Ann Jurczyk (Chesapeake Bay Foundation) and Sheri Shannon (Southside ReLeaf), installs an arbor tie on a leaning tree during a tree care workday in spring 2026.