Keep the Midlands Beautiful and Arbor Day Foundation partner to provide over 400 free trees in Batesburg-Leesville

Keep the Midlands Beautiful has been awarded grant funding through the Arbor Day Foundation to distribute more than 400 free trees in Batesburg-Leesville. Residents and business owners who attend a free one-hour workshop on why, how, and where to plant trees will be eligible for up to three free trees, along with mulch, stakes, and ties provided at the end of each session.

The workshops, presented by Elite Lawn & Landscape, will be held:

• Wednesday, December 3 — 9–10 a.m.
• Wednesday, December 3 — 5–6 p.m.
• Thursday, December 4 — 5–6 p.m.
• Saturday, December 6 — 10–11 a.m.
• Saturday, December 6 — 2–3 p.m.

Registration is required, and trees must be selected by Monday, November 17 at:
👉 https://bit.ly/4oAZ4kb

“Trees can heal the scars left by natural disasters and help us persevere after loss,” said Lachel Bradley-Williams, senior manager of community trees for the Arbor Day Foundation. “Meaningful recovery takes time, and we’re here for the long-haul, ready to work side-by-side with local leaders like Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Because together, we can grow hope.”

This initiative aims to help restore the local tree canopy significantly damaged by Hurricane Helene. The Arbor Day Foundation has long supported disaster-affected communities, beginning with its efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since then, the foundation has planted and distributed millions of trees to support recovery from hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes.

“Many of the 19 municipalities we serve across Lexington and Richland Counties were hit hard by Hurricane Helene,” said Traude Sander, Executive Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful. “Batesburg-Leesville lost more than 500 trees. We’re thrilled to help replace this vital resource while beautifying the area and educating residents and businesses. We couldn’t do this without generous support from partners like Elite Lawn & Landscape, Site One Landscape Supply, Dominion Energy, and the Town of Batesburg-Leesville.”

Beyond recovery, trees also help reduce heat, mitigate stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and enhance mental and physical health.

Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s disaster recovery efforts at arborday.org.

About Keep the Midlands Beautiful

Founded in 1989 as a non-profit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Keep the Midlands Beautiful serves Richland and Lexington Counties. Its mission is to educate, inspire, and empower citizens to improve their communities through litter prevention, recycling, and beautification programs.

More than 6,000 volunteers participate annually, including 300+ groups supporting litter removal, school and business recycling programs, and community beautification efforts.

Visit https://kmbsc.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more.