Historic Columbia and Columbia Green launch Columbia Canopy Project
November 28, 2023
Historic Columbia and Columbia Green announced the launch the public phase of the Columbia Canopy Project, a multifaceted effort to address the impacts of structural racism on Columbia’s historically marginalized communities through the research of neighborhood histories, honoring of community leaders, and planting of memorial trees.
In 2021, Columbia Green and Historic Columbia received a generous grant from the CWD3 Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, to increase the urban canopy in Columbia’s underserved neighborhoods and to honor these communities’ previously unrecognized leaders.
In 2022, Historic Columbia began researching and crafting long-form narratives on the history of each community participating in the project, many of which have never been researched. Communities participating in the project are: Allen University, Barhamville Estates, Belmont/Gable Oaks, Belvedere, Benedict College, Booker Washington Heights, Burton Heights/Standish Acres, College Place, Edgewood, Greenview, Harlem Heights/Fairwold Acres, Hyatt Park/Keenan Terrace, Jones-McDonald Community, Lower Waverly, Lyon Street Community, North Pointe Estates, Northwood Hills, Pinehurst, Prescott Manor, Seminary Ridge, Waverly, and Windemere Springs. All long-form narratives and maps of these communities will be available online at historiccolumbia.org.
“Understanding the rich history of these historically marginalized communities is not just a commitment to the past; it is a dedication to building a more inclusive and enlightened future,” said Historic Columbia executive director Robin Waites. “The histories of these neighborhoods weave stories of resilience, achievement, and unyielding spirit. They teach us not only where our community has been, but also point the way forward, guiding us towards a more just and equitable city for all.”
To supplement these historical narratives, Columbia Green has planted trees in participating communities to memorialize their individual leaders and provide a place of natural beauty for neighbors to enjoy. Wayside signs and an accompanying website will detail the purpose of the project, the important work done by community leaders, and the history of each community.
The first three neighborhood signs to be unveiled on Friday, December 1 will honor Barhamville Estates, Edgewood, and the Jones-McDonald Community. To commemorate leaders from these three communities, 20 trees have been planted at Drew Park, which has served as a recreation space for residents of those communities for more than 80 years.
“As global warming creates more heat waves, there is an urgent need to invest in shade trees, especially in Columbia’s sun-exposed urban neighborhoods where concrete replaced trees long ago,” said charitable fund advisor Bonnie Kapp. “Shade trees are beautiful and protective, and multiple research studies have shown that their shade contributes to physical and mental well-being. I hope this public-private demonstration project will inspire a long-term effort in our city.”
To commemorate the launch of the Columbia Canopy Project, please join Historic Columbia and Columbia Green on Friday, Dec. 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Drew Park for a launch celebration event, including a brief program, wayside signage unveiling, and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.
The Columbia Canopy Project is made possible by the CWD3 Fund at the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina.
About Columbia Canopy Project
A collaboration of Historic Columbia and Columbia Green, the Columbia Canopy Project is a multifaceted effort to address the impacts of structural racism on Columbia’s historically marginalized communities through the research of neighborhood histories, honoring of community leaders, and planting of memorial trees.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Over the next five decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube for more details.
About Columbia Green
Founded in 1984, Columbia Green improves and protects the natural beauty of greater Columbia by promoting sustainable plantings, preserving trees and green-spaces, and educating the public about the environment. Learn more at columbiagreen.org.
