The Cities of Columbia, Lexington, and Spartanburg have been selected to participate in Trees4SC! The new statewide community forestry initiative supports local governments in mapping, planning, and growing healthy community forests.
A community forest represents all the trees within a city, including those along streets, in parks, and throughout neighborhoods, that collectively contribute to environmental health and community well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses.
Led by the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, the program works to expand access to the many benefits trees provide, including cleaner air and water, reduced flooding, shade, and enhanced beauty throughout neighborhoods. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Over the next year, the GIC will partner with each city to map the city’s tree canopy, identify open spaces suitable for tree planting, and pinpoint areas where trees can offer the greatest environmental and social benefits. In the second year, the project will launch a series of community engagement events where residents can learn more about the value of trees and even take home a free tree to plant.