News
Columbia Green to celebrate 25th birthday by giving the community gifts
In celebration of its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary, Columbia Green has announced a gift of $25,000 to launch a Tree Initiative for the Columbia area. Columbia Green will award grants up to $2,500 annually over the next five years to plant canopy trees in areas throughout the city. The Tree Initiative is an opportunity for organizations and individuals to join Columbia Green in its effort to replenish the canopy trees in the Columbia area that are so vital to our air quality and beautification. In support and recognition of this initiative, Colombia City Mayor Robert Coble has proclaimed 2009 as the "Year of the Tree" in Columbia.
Columbia Green's Tree Initiative comes at a crucial time for Columbia since federal funding is at risk because of poor air quality levels. Canopy trees can contribute to a sustainable environment by improving air quality, moderating climate, conserving water and harboring wildlife. The City of Columbia's Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC), which provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia, supports Columbia Green's Initiative. "Columbia Green's initiative to increase the number of canopy trees in our city will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to improve air quality. Not only are trees beautiful and provide shade during our hot summers, they remove pollutants from the air. Columbia Green's Year of the Tree campaign will be a significant boost to our other efforts to clean up the air we all breathe" stated Anne Sinclair, CPAC's Chair.
Neighborhoods, individuals and community groups interested in adding canopy trees to their landscape can apply for a Tree Initiative Grant by fulfilling the Application Requirements, available for downloading in Word or PDF format.
