LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville got a little greener this weekend, as nonprofit Louisville Grows planted trees to restore the urban tree canopy.

People in Louisville took time out of their weekend to give back to the community and environment. Savannah Dowell, University of Louisville student and Louisville Grows volunteer, said she has a green thumb despite not majoring in environmental studies. 

“I’m still super involved in environmental initiatives in the community ... just trying to help some people, trying to help the earth,” she said.

According to a study by the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability, 450,000 trees need to be planted to help manage urban heat. Louisville Grows planted 120 trees Saturday in the California and Parkland neighborhoods.

“We need trees everywhere, but especially in the heart of our downtown, especially here in the west side of Louisville, where there (are) so few trees left ... they provide so many benefits to the residents,” said Justin Mog, Louisville Grows volunteer citizen forester.

Mog said this is one of the best times of the year for planting because it’s not too hot and not too cold.

“It’s really tough to keep a tree alive when you plant it in the heat and drought of the summertime, so it's really best to get them in the ground, even ideally before they leaf out," Mog said. "But we're having an early spring this year, so it's been a little tough on the timing."

The nonprofit is aiming to plant 1,000 trees a year.

“It’s awesome; I'm having a great time right now,” Dowell said.

Louisville Grows will have another planting event in the Lucky Horseshoe neighborhood April 6, 2024.

Last fall, the city was selected for a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to improve its tree canopy.