Baton Rouge Green Post Office Drawer 66418 Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6418 (504)381-0037

Baton Rouge green is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and restoring our natural urban forest and improving the quality of life of our citizens by providing East Baton Rouge Parish with an urban reforestation program based on research and professional guidelines.

Baton Rouge Green serves as a catalyst creating new partnerships and bringing together the resources of the city parish government, private citizens, civic groups, the Federation of Civic Associations, the Recreation and Park Commission (BREC), the public and private school systems, local utility companies and area businesses with the Louisiana State University School of Landscape Architecture, Southern University Urban Forestry Program, local and state foresters and independent landscape architects. We assess the given need in a park, school, neighborhood or roadway with the concerned citizens. With the assistance of an urban forester, a landscape architect draws up a plan. The reforestation plan and maintenance are approved by the Department of Public Works, the State Department of Transportation and Development, and the City Department of Landscape and Forestry, as well as the affected utility companies. The plan is installed by licensed contractors or volunteers with Baton Rouge Green having final approval. A maintenance program is established for three years upon completion of the planting.

Education is one of our top priorities. We have published the Baton Rouge Green Tree Planting Guide, which is directly based on our research published in The Baton Rouge Landscape, An Ecological and Cultural Perspective. We also have published the Interstate Enhancement Concept Plan, the purpose of which is to document a rapid reconnaissance and analysis of landscape and enhancement opportunities presented by the existing interstate highway system in Baton Rouge. Furthermore, we have published another important educational resource booklet entitled Protecting Trees from Construction Damage: A Citizen's Guide. In addition, we sponsor educational events. Our annual Arbor Day celebration is held in conjunction with a school in the local East Baton Rouge Parish public school system. Baton Rouge Green also co-sponsors an educational workshop with all the utility companies for the utility coordinating council. Specialists in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry bring their expertise to the utility companies, engineers, commercial developers and utility arborists.

Baton Rouge Green worked with foresters, concerned citizens, utilities and governmental representatives to write a first Tree Ordinance for our parish. This Ordinance established a Tree Commission to insure the interpretation and implementation of the Ordinance. A new understanding and appreciation of the value of trees is a direct result of our work. Likewise, Baton Rouge Green assisted in the creation of the Landscape Ordinance for East Baton Rouge Parish.

Our numerous public and parochial school projects provide educational opportunities for children to learn more about their urban forest and their environment. Our trees are planted around buildings to provide shade and to reduce utility consumption. The Baton Rouge Green school committee facilitates these projects with the principals, teachers and Junior League volunteers. Baton Rouge Green is an advocate for our urban forest which improves air quality, saves energy, reduces noise pollution, increases economic stability, improves personal health, improves water quality, creates wildlife diversity, reduces the heat island effect, and adds beauty by softening the harsh lines of the urban world.

The results of Baton Rogue Green projects have been significant. Citizens have an increased awareness of their personal contribution to the environment and to their urban forest. Businesses enjoy increased economic activity brought by tree planting on adjacent roadways. Baton Rouge Green has stimulated a rebirth of civic pride and citizens from all walks of life are joining hands to plant "Trees for Our Future."