Finding Solutions: Augusta Woman’s Club leads “Katherine’s 100 Trees” project at Diamond Lakes

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Volunteers planted nearly 60 trees at Diamond Lakes Park Friday to bring shade to families and runners who use the trail during hot summer afternoons.

The tree planting was part of a project called “Katherine’s 100 Trees” led by the Augusta Women’s Club. Students from Westminster, Augusta Parks and Recreation, Augusta Fire and the Savannah Riverkeeper participated in the morning planting.

“Feels good knowing that people will get to enjoy this and our hard work will pay off,” Banks Carter, an eighth-grader at Westminster participating in service day, said.

Project honors 95-year-old board member’s dream

Mary Jacobson with the Augusta Women’s Club said the project started when a 95-year-old board member shared her final wish.

“One of our board members that was about 95 and at a board meeting she was sitting beside me and said Mary you want to know what I want to do before I die, she said I want to plant 100 trees,” Jacobson said.

The organization has planted more than a couple thousand trees across Georgia since the project began.

“This has been this lady’s dream and I love seeing it through. It warms my heart,” Jacobson said.

Adding to previous plantings

The Augusta Women’s Club planted 45 trees at Diamond Lakes a few years ago and added 56 more today. Some of the new trees are expected to grow 50 feet tall in an area where shade is needed.

“We live down the road and have these walking tracks that in the summertime are absolutely brutal, so we are trying to put in shade trees along the walking track,” Jacobson said.

Tonya Bonitatibus, executive director for Savannah Riverkeeper, said the organization’s participation represents a long-term commitment to the Augusta and Savannah areas.

“This is just a long term commitment specifically within the Augusta and Savannah areas to try and be engaged outside the river in attempt to get others to come into the river space with us,” Bonitatibus said.

Carter encouraged others to get involved in their community.

“Just make sure you always give back to your community. Make sure you see the beauty in your community because someone worked to do that and always give back when you have the chance,” he said.

The Augusta Women’s Club gave away 2,000 trees to residents for Earth Day. The organization has 1,000 trees coming next month and plans another community giveaway.

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