University of Richmond Faculty, Staff and Students Organize Neighborhood Tree Planting in Jackson Ward

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond faculty, staff, and students, along with community members, came together last week to plant five new trees in Jackson Ward as part of a research partnership between the Historic Jackson Ward Association and UR researchers.

This project combined environmental science and cultural history — with students conducting hands-on research on urban heat, tree selection, and local heritage to strengthen the community’s resilience and preserve its legacy.

“The project marked the culmination of what began as a summer research collaboration focused on both scientific learning and the cultural storytelling,” said project co-organizer and research team lead Kyle Redican, teaching faculty of geography, environment, and sustainability and director of the Spatial Analysis Lab. “We were measuring urban heat and identifying optimal tree species while also honoring Jackson Ward’s historic identity.”

Each tree features an honorary plaque celebrating neighborhood luminaries such as Maggie L. Walker, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and William Washington Browne. About 25 people from UR and the community supported this effort.

“Students were involved with every aspect of the project. They helped with the research methods, community connections, data collection, and final analysis,” said Beth Zizzamia, the Spatial Analysis Lab’s GIS operations manager and project co-organizer. “It’s a great example of the various aspects of what the University of Richmond does best, including undergraduate research and community relationships.”

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