Planting Trees to Increase Climate Resilience in Davee Gardens
Rodney Gaines, resident of Davee Gardens, talks about the importance of planting trees in the neighborhood and the disparities he sees when visiting wealthier parts of the city.
Southside ReLeaf partnered with residents, volunteers, and organizations, including the Arbor Day Foundation and Capital One, to plant new trees and provide long-term tree care in the Davee Gardens neighborhood — an area that experiences severe flooding due to outdated stormwater infrastructure, limited green space, and increasingly intense rainfall. Through a community-centered planting effort, we worked to expand tree canopy in the neighborhood while helping residents understand how urban forestry can improve public health, reduce flooding, and strengthen climate resilience.
In November 2022, more than 40 volunteers came together to plant 60 trees throughout the neighborhood, with community partners continuing to provide watering, pruning, and maintenance support over the following two years. Additional volunteer workdays helped ensure the young trees could survive and mature, maximizing their long-term environmental benefits for residents and the surrounding watershed.
Impact
Planted 60 trees in the Davee Gardens neighborhood to increase shade and absorb stormwater runoff.
Mobilized 40+ volunteers during the initial planting event and 56 additional volunteers for follow-up maintenance workdays.
Provided two years of ongoing tree maintenance, including watering and structural pruning, to support long-term tree survival.
Helped reduce flooding risk and improve neighborhood climate resilience through expanded green infrastructure.
Increased awareness of the connection between tree canopy, public health, and environmental justice in South Richmond.
Strengthened partnerships between residents, nonprofits, and city agencies working toward greener, healthier neighborhoods.
A group of volunteers work on shoveling dirt back into the ground after planting a young street tree.
Volunteers gather with co-founder Sheri Shannon for a photo with the event’s official Tree Planting banner.