Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to the Urban Forest

Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded a $100,000 matching grant to Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) to support the creation of an Urban Forest along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice.  This nearly two-mile forested greenway will provide habitat in which butterflies, birds and wildlife will thrive, and for residents and visitors to enjoy. Gulf Coast’s support raises the visibility of this transformative community conservation project. All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, helping VABI to complete the first phase of this dynamic initiative.

“We are thrilled to have this commitment from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.  Their grant is a catalyst, spurring VABI and the community to help raise the funds for this phase of our project,” notes Greg Vine, Urban Forest project chair. “We have an ambitious vision relying on fundraising, in-kind gifts, and sweat equity. With broad community support, we will create the Urban Forest, tree by tree.”

The Urban Forest began several years ago as a grassroots-led vision to reforest the former CSX railway corridor through the heart of Venice. So far, more than 600 trees of 32 species and understory plants have been planted as part of Phase One. When the project is completed the Urban Forest will stretch from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road and will provide a beautiful woodland trail for pedestrians parallel to the Venetian Waterway Park. All native trees and shrubs are being planted so that the forest provides habitat specifically for migratory songbirds and native wildlife.

Early community partners and in-kind donors include William Jervey, Bill Farnsworth, ArtisTree Landscape, Clark Connections, JT Holland, Shipps Excavating, Simply Trees, H&H Signs, Petra Prion Photography, and Lowes. The multi-year project will be completed in phases and Phase One will open to the public once completed. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is also collaborating with VABI to build resources and public awareness for this unique community conservation project. To be a part of the Urban Forest, visit conservationfoundation.com/urban-forest.