RICHMOND, Va. — As Richmond faces extreme heat, the team at Groundwork RVA is working to make the city greener by planting trees in neighborhoods that experience higher temperatures.
The organization focuses on underserved areas known as urban heat islands, where a lack of tree coverage can lead to significantly higher temperatures.
The group's efforts target predominantly minority communities that often lack adequate tree canopy.
Brian Scott with Groundwork RVA explains that their work has implications beyond just environmental benefits.
"There are way more instances of heat-related illnesses in neighborhoods that have less coverage from tree canopies," Scott said.
The health impacts can be severe, according to Scott.
"It's affecting not only the temperatures but the mortality rates in these neighborhoods," he said.
The temperature difference between shaded and unshaded areas can be dramatic.
"Areas where there are large tree canopies can be up to 15 degrees cooler than neighborhoods that don't," Scott said.
During extreme heat, the organization ensures newly planted trees receive adequate water to survive.
"Getting water to these trees in times like this is critical," Scott said.
The team fills "gator bags" that slowly release water into the soil around the trees, which slowly release the water into the soil.
Some of their larger sites have nearly 100 trees that require regular maintenance.
While the benefits aren't immediate, the long-term impact will be significant.
"In the next 10 years they'll start growing together and creating shade," Scott said.
The organization encourages community involvement in their mission.
"Maybe instead of spending a weekend working on your yard, you can come out to a community where you don't normally go to or live in and help improve the city that way," Scott said.
Click here to learn more about Groundwork RVA.
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