79 trees being planted at L.H. Williams Elementary

"We're just so excited to have trees on our campus because it just beautifies," Principal Dr. Cynthia Jones said.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Trees were planted in L.H. Williams Elementary School’s playground area on Wednesday as part of an ongoing effort to beautify the community.

The ceremony, led by 4th grader A’niya Langford, featured various speakers from the administration and community. This is the third planting that has taken place as part of a project to plant 450 tress across seven sites in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood and in East Macon.

Planting already took place at Jefferson Long Park and Mattie Hubbard Park, and future plantings will take place at Linear Park, Davis Village, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and Bicentennial Park. The sites were selected using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) and the Tree Equity Score.

We spoke with Dr. Cynthia Jones Principal about their efforts to make the area more beautiful.

“So this past year, we collaborated with Cooperative Extension Service with our second grade class and we have a garden over to my left here, so we’re going to continue that project with them and so we can expand that garden out into this area,” she said.

“We can incorporate science into our trees,” she continued. “They provide shade, relaxation, time for us to take our children under the trees for reflection moments. We’re just so excited to have trees on our campus because it just beautifies, but it’s also an opportunity for us to really provide things for children or resources for children that they don’t ordinarily have.”

“Aside from the health and environmental benefit that will no doubt result from the planting of these trees, these trees symbolize hope for a brighter tomorrow and a reminder of the strength of community that is deeply rooted in this historic, resilient neighborhood,” Dr. Sundra Woodford, from the Board of Education and United Way of Central Georgia, said.

“These trees depend on a lot of things to grow,” Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller said. “Just like you as students, you depend on a lot of things and a lot of people to grow. That’s all the people that you have around you today, basically giving you the water and the nutrients you need to be successful in life.”

“We need to all work together,” Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark said. “You got to work with us. You got to hold us accountable. We take care of your trees. You got to make sure that y’all take care of your trees so your kids can take care of these trees, because they’re very special. They’re going to offer fresh air and shade for generations to come.”

This restoration project is being funded by a $253,150 Georgia Forestry Commission’s Trees Across Georgia Grant.