Southside ReLeaf to Give Away 200 Free Trees as Part of “Cool the City” Campaign
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 10, 2026
RICHMOND, VA — In celebration of Earth Month, Southside ReLeaf will host a “Cool the City Free Tree Giveaway” on Saturday, April 25, to help Richmond residents in the hottest neighborhoods add more shade and cool their homes with trees – nature’s best air conditioner.
The nonprofit is offering up to 200 free, small container trees that can be planted at home. More than 100 seedlings will also be available for students, renters, and families without yard space to grow in containers until they can be planted permanently. Priority will be given to residents living in the 23224, 23225, and 23234 zip codes, as South Richmond experiences higher temperatures due to a lack of trees and public green spaces.
Residents may reserve up to two trees per household prior to the giveaway using our reservation form. There are 10 native tree species available for selection. A limited number of trees and seedlings will be available for walk-ups, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Upon request, volunteers will provide delivery and planting assistance to residents with limited mobility and transportation access.
WHAT: Tree giveaway event for Richmond residents in the hottest neighborhoods.
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Liberation Church, 5501 Midlothian Tpke, Richmond, VA 23225
WHO: Southside ReLeaf is hosting the giveaway with the support of volunteers. Free trees are available for City of Richmond residents, with priority given to residents living in zip codes 23224, 23225, and 23234. Media is invited to attend, capture visuals, and interview staff and residents during the event.
WHY: This event is part of the Cool the City campaign, which aims to create cooler streets, healthier lives, and greener futures across Richmond. Neighborhoods with less tree canopy and more pavement can experience temperatures up to 16 degrees hotter than leafier areas. By planting trees at their homes and in their communities, residents can play a direct role in cooling their neighborhoods, improving air quality and stormwater runoff, and building a more resilient Richmond.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Visuals of tree distribution and community engagement.
Visuals of tree planting at residential locations.
Interviews with Southside ReLeaf staff and participating residents.
Coverage of local efforts to address extreme heat during Earth Month.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For media inquiries, please contact Sarah at sarah@southsidereleaf.org.
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About Southside ReLeaf
Southside ReLeaf is an environmental justice nonprofit committed to improving health outcomes and the quality of life for Southside Richmond residents. By building green spaces, connecting with neighbors, and advocating for people-centered policy, Southside ReLeaf seeks a healthy, equitable, and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond. Get involved at southsidereleaf.org.
About Cool the City
The Cool the City Coalition is a collaborative campaign to create greener, healthier futures in Richmond’s neighborhoods that need them most. The coalition works to expand tree canopy, build tomorrow’s green workforce, and increase the capacity of the City of Richmond and its nonprofit partners to deliver lasting change. Through community partnerships, education, and investment in urban forestry, Cool the City is helping create cooler streets, healthier lives, and greener futures across Richmond. Coalition partners include: Southside ReLeaf, Groundwork RVA, Happily Natural Day, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, Office of Sustainability, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, and Department of Public Works - Urban Forestry Division.
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, in partnership with the City of Richmond. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
