City of Columbia Parks & Recreation, Columbia Green, and International Paper, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation will team up to host a tree planting event at Granby Park as Part of Beat the Heat—Plant a Tree

Beat the Heat is a partnership between the City of Columbia and Columbia Green to give away 1000’s of shade trees to property owners in the greater Columbia area. Funding for this project has been provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, International Paper, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

On March 22, 2025, Columbia Green through its Beat the Heat Initiative, will partner with International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 30 trees at Granby Park in areas disturbed by recent work done on the Historic Columbia Canal to address stormwater runoff. This event is being held for the employees of International Paper that provided a generous grant to fund shade trees for Lexington County.

Beat the Heat–Plant a Tree focuses on restoring greater Columbia’s urban canopy to address heat, air quality, and health. Urban trees filter the air by removing pollution which improves a city’s overall air quality. Thriving urban forests bolster human health, from encouraging physical activity to reducing respiratory illnesses stemming from air pollution. Trees reduce runoff of sediment, pollutants, and organic matter into streams, which improves our water quality. In addition, trees have also been shown to reduce crime, lower stress levels, and develop community pride.

Columbia Green is a local nonprofit that seeks to improve and protect the natural beauty of greater Columbia by promoting sustainable plantings, preserving trees and green spaces, and educating the public about our environment. Columbia Green partners with like-minded organizations on initiatives such as Beat the Heat, the Columbia Canopy Project, and Columbia Green Square Mile, to protect and restore our urban canopy.

“We are excited to partner with International Paper and the Arbor Day Foundation to support our shared missions to create a greener and more sustainable environment for everyone in the greater Columbia. Planting trees is one of the most impactful things we can do to improve our urban environment. Trees support local wildlife and enhance the beauty of our public spaces. When we plant shade trees, we are creating a better environment for our children and our children’s children. Beat the Heat helps us pay it forward.” Jennifer Young, Columbia Green President.

International Paper is an engaged member of all the communities in which they operate, working to benefit people and the planet by addressing issues that matter. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, they have planted and distributed over half a million trees in the past five years alone. The tree giveaway in Lexington County will allow over 150 property owners to plant a shade tree on their own property. The tree planting event at Granby Park allows International Paper employee-volunteers to participate first-hand in this important work.

“For IP, trees are more than just a part of the working forests we rely on to make the products people depend on every day…neighborhood trees are the lifeblood of healthy and resilient communities. They are landmarks that guide members of a community, become a source of joy with just a rope and tire to swing through the air and a strong sign of stability for generations to come.” Dynisha Woods, Global Community Engagement Leader.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.‍

“The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to helping our local planting partners unlock the transformative power of trees in their community,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees clean our air, cool our cities and improve the lives of the people around them. We’re happy to help Columbia Green maximize the impact of their urban canopy and inspire more people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.”

To learn more about this event, visit https://columbiagreen.org/beattheheat