Southside ReLeaf is expanding its work program, thanks to their first paid staff members, Ali  Croft, program manager, and Lisa Aikins-Afful, outreach and engagement coordinator. One of  Croft’s first projects is to coordinate federal grant opportunities to green the city, while Aikins-Afful is supporting planting and clean-up initiatives with other nonprofits. These new

hires join co-founders Sheri Shannon and Amy Wentz, along with volunteers Melissa Spencer and Sarah Wilkinson.

Since its inception in 2019, Southside ReLeaf has planted and given away nearly 1,000 trees to expand green spaces. Their efforts to green, educate and advocate for healthy people and communities include the recent action to protect valued green space at the historic Hickory Hill Community Center, now under threat by construction of a fire training facility. Currently, the organization is planning fall planting projects around Arbor Day RVA, building capacity for local and state environmental justice initiatives and launching an outdoor classroom series.

Nonprofit Southside ReLeaf is always looking for volunteers to get involved.
For more information, visit SouthsideReLeaf.org.