Newport News became the beneficiary of some new trees thanks to a grant awarded to area non-profit James River Association. The tree planting grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry allowed for 85 trees from nine different native species to be planted at Riverview Farm Park along the multi-use trail.

The planting was completed last month with the help of 18 volunteers from the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, Virginia Master Naturalists, and the Virginia Tree Stewards, who planted, staked, mulched and watered the new trees. Landscape Services Division staff of the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism also pitched in to help.

The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health of the James River and its tributaries. The organization promotes conservation and responsible through various programs such as water quality management programs, trash clean ups, and the James River Leadership Academy – a year-long leadership program for high school students.