LOUISVILLE, Ky---At Louisville Grows they believe in the healing properties of trees.

It may sound kind of new age but Executive Director Ked Stanfield says there's a science behind it.

"Trees mitigate storm water, they mitigate heat, they also relieve particulate matter for the air, so they are cleaning the air, trees also produce oxygen which we need a lot of," Stanfield said. 

So far the organization which started back in 2009 has planted 500 trees in the Portland area, 2800 trees in Louisville, and help to start more than 30 community gardens.

They have also given out countless trees to community members.

"If you went to go to a nursery and pay a landscaper to plant a tree in your yard it's about 500 dollars for the size tree we plant, so that's a huge investment that most people wouldn't make if they are worried about rent or food so making it very low barriers to accept a tree is what we go for, " Stanfield said. 

Just last week Louisville Grows partnered with Muhammad Ali International Airport to give out 500 trees in celebration of Arbor day.

But their mission is bigger than just making Louisville a greener city to live in.

The work they do inside of their headquarters also make a huge impact.

"All of our programming focuses on four primary topics and that's healthy living, healthy eating, environmental education and environmental justice," Lisa Dettlinger said. 

A full kitchen allows for cooking classes for both young and old and the rooftop sometimes serves as a yoga studio.

"The community wants to engage with us they believe in what we are doing and because we have the four primary focus areas there is something for everyone," Dettlinger said. 

Ten months ago Jacquelyn Eklund started working with group as a AmeriCorps Vista.

"Because we plant you know a thousand trees a year doesn't do anything necessarily unless we are changing people's minds," Eklund said. 

For her the experience has been eye-opening and most importantly offered a change for open dialogue with the community .

"We’re making them think about planting trees and kind of living in a more sustainable way so that's kind of what's really important is that we start those conversations," Eklund said.

Your next chance to get involved is May 11th by volunteering at the Louisville Grows Flower and Vegetable Sale.