Columbia Green

Columbia Green is widely recognized as the Midlands’ leading nonprofit organization representing urban forestry, greenspaces, and beautification. We believe that elevating environmental standards, beauty, and livability is essential to ensure a vibrant future for everyone in our community.

Our focus is on building community through horticulture, partnerships, education, and volunteerism. We work to improve and protect our natural beauty, to protect and restore habitats for native wildlife, and advocate for environmental equity and the health and well-being of all our residents. 

Our programs are the expression of our values, vision, and mission. Through our programs, we make it possible for other organizations and individuals to reach their environmental goals. 

Our Programs

Beat the Heat—Plant a Tree gives away free native shade trees to property owners in participating municipalities and provides 3-4 free educational events each year about the importance and benefits of trees and a healthy tree canopy. So far, we have given away 1,800 trees with this program, adding to the 14,000 trees we have given away or planted over the years. Our trees are native, 7-gallon shade trees chosen by arborists to withstand urban heat and conditions. Trees are delivered to participants’ doors by participating municipalities along with a TreeDiaperTM watering device. On average, it costs $100 to fund a Beat the Heat Tree. 

Columbia Green Community Grants makes 8-10 grants each year to other nonprofit groups to plant and enhance publicly accessible green spaces and gardens. Grants range up to  $5,000 and can be used to purchase plants, trees, soil and soil amendments and organic mulch. We have funded hundreds of grants across the Midlands. Our grants make it possible for others to reach their goals. 

Trees for Campuses is a joint initiative between Beat the Heat and Community Grants. Nonprofits can apply for up to 50 Beat the Heat trees for their campuses. Funded projects will be delivered in time for SC Arbor day planting the first week of December. 

Our Events

Our Annual Festival of Gardens is a celebration of gardening, gardens, and the people who create them. Each year, we feature 8-12 gardens in one Columbia neighborhood, where the community opens its garden gates and invites you in to experience the beauty and peace of all kinds of beautiful backyard gardens. This year's Festival will take place on May 16 and 17 in the Historic Forest Hills neighborhood. 

Member Engagement and Volunteer Events. Each month, we feature events for our members and the community that include field trips, walk and learn events, and clean up events. The photo at the top of this page shows over 100 volunteers who came out to help at our MLK Day of Service in January. The Midlands Nature and Bird Alliance led a bird watching walk, then we all got busy working with Saluda Riverwalk park rangers to remove a ton of invasive plants from the forest, opening up space for native plants to take root. 

Testimonials

“Columbia Green’s grant program made Whitehall's neighborhood pollinator garden project possible. We couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you!”  

N.J. Milar
President
Whitehall Garden Club

“Columbia Green’s story is really about what you've enabled others to do, and all the ripple effects as the benefits of those projects inspire others. Our successes are Columbia Green's successes! Telling the story about the Whitehall project led to the project we are currently developing together…the immediate impact of that project combined with the gigantic potential impact of restoring so many vacant lots into vital habitat and "stormwater sponges" makes for a pretty compelling story.” 

Baily Parker
Executive Director
Gills Creek Watershed Association

“Planting trees is one of the most practical ways we can protect public health, reduce extreme heat, and strengthen neighborhoods. Partnerships like this help us turn climate solutions into real quality-of-life improvements for families.” 

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann

"I encourage everyone I know to give generously to Columbia Green because everything we give to you comes back to the community to plant trees, gardens, and greenspaces and spearhead new projects none of us would ever think about! You know how to bring people together to get things done! We appreciate all you do for our community."

Molly Rowe
President
Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia

"I love these volunteer events. At this time in my life, being able to show up and help with planting and clean up projects on a Saturday morning is just perfect. And it is a great way to get our kids to learn the value of service to our community. Thanks for organizing this!" 

A Volunteer at the Rosewood Nature Trail Clean Up

“Our trees are doing great! They are budding and growing and happy with this warmer weather coming on. Thank you for this wonderful program! It is making a difference for so many!” 

A Beat the Heat tree recipient