Bulletin for January 23, 2024

SOUL Nola!

Susannah Burley, Founder and Executive Director

Thanks to member George Messina for catering this week’s networking event at Rooftop on Basin with guest speaker Susannah Burley, Founder and Executive Director for SOUL Nola!.

SOUL Nola, (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape) is a non-profit organization aiming to reforest the urban landscape of Orleans Parish by creating a tree canopy to help keep us cool, and naturally absorb storm water to help keep it out of the storm drains. With New Orleans concrete and rooftops absorbing much of the heat, Burley said that it makes New Orleans the hottest area than any other place in the country.  Below are some of what SOUL Nola can provide to the area:

• Native trees, like the Bald Cypress, are planted which has a sponge affect and serves as a natural system. Clusters of trees are planted to better stave off flooding, reduce pollution, improve community health, and provide beauty and shade.
• Trees are planted together with community members who drive the reforestation of their own community or neighborhood.
• They oversee the planting of every tree and help ensure its successful growth. Tree guards are provided for every tree to protect against weed-eater damage, the number one killer of trees.
• Every tree planted is mapped so that its progress can be tracked.
• Maintenance guidelines are provided to every home/business that receives trees, and they are always available to answer questions

Burley announced five pilot programs for the following neighborhoods: Holly Grove, Central City, St. Bernard, Little Woods and Whitney (Westbank). Tree planting is from October – March with over 100 trees planted by volunteers.

To learn more or to volunteer visit their website at https://soulnola.org/.