GIPL Scales Up ReWilding Program with Plans to Plant Nearly 2,000 Trees Across Georgia
ATLANTA—Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is proud to announce a major expansion of their ReWilding Program to advance tree equity across Georgia. In partnership with Trees Atlanta, Food Well Alliance, and local congregations throughout the state, GIPL plans to distribute and help plant 1,850 trees over the next three years in neighborhoods that currently lack adequate tree canopy.
“Trees are more than a backdrop—they’re essential to healthy, vibrant communities,” said Hannah Shultz, Program Director at GIPL. “They cool the air, protect against flooding, clean our water and air, and bring beauty and connection to shared spaces. We’re excited to work with faith communities and partners to plant seeds, both literally and figuratively, for a stronger Georgia.”
With over 15,000 houses of worship in Georgia, many with large campuses and deep roots in their communities, congregations are uniquely positioned to lead this effort. By equipping faith communities to host tree-planting events and become long-term caretakers of urban forestry efforts, GIPL is advancing both climate and community resilience.
“Food Well Alliance is proud to support this important work through our network of local growers and gardens,” said Kate Conner, Executive Director of Food Well Alliance. “Fruit trees provide shade, soil protection, and vital nutrition to communities in need.”
“Community forestry relies on active participation of the community to steward their trees,” said Alex Beasley, Planting Director for Trees Atlanta. “This partnership with GIPL provides a meaningful connection to faith communities who are connected and committed to work together with their neighbors."
To support this statewide effort, GIPL is hiring an Atlanta-based ReWilding Program Coordinator. This full-time role will help congregations, particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods, launch or deepen Green Teams, organize tree-planting events, and become champions of long-term environmental stewardship. Interested applicants can learn more at gipl.org/careers.
This initiative is made possible by generous donors and by American Forests’ Tree Equity Catalyst Fund, which provides critical funding and resources that enable action on the ground where it’s needed most to build equitable tree canopy.
“This program expansion from Georgia Interfaith Power & Light represents meaningful progress toward growing and establishing equitable tree cover in our cities,” said Jad Daley, President and CEO Emeritus at American Forests. “Organizations like GIPL are the local leaders at the forefront of climate change and we’re proud to support them in their journey to bring the essential benefits of trees to their communities.”
Catalyst Fund grants are provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with American Forests.
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Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that inspires and equips communities of faith to organize, implement practical climate solutions, and advocate across Georgia on issues of climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Born out of the national Interfaith Power and Light movement, GIPL envisions a Georgia where all people can flourish in a healthy environment, a stable climate, and resilient communities.
American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: www.americanforests.org.
Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local leaders working together to build equitable, thriving community gardens, urban farms, and orchards across metro Atlanta. Food Well's mission is to provide resources and support to local growers to connect and build healthier communities. Since 2015, Food Well has engaged thousands of people annually around the issues of local food and provided more than $15 million in direct resources. They currently support more than 300 growing spaces in metro Atlanta. Learn more at foodwellalliance.org.
Trees Atlanta is a nonprofit community group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Since its founding in 1985, Trees Atlanta has planted over 170,000 trees throughout metro Atlanta with volunteers and partners to ensure environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees are available and abundant for the health and well-being of all communities. Trees Atlanta plants over 7,000 trees every year, including helping to design, install, and maintain the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum; educates youth and adults through classroom lessons and hands-on training; and improves forested land by removing invasive species and restoring the native plant ecology of the area. Trees Atlanta is a trusted leader in organizing and demonstrating stewardship of our urban tree canopy. To volunteer and to learn more about the organization, please visit: treesatlanta.org.
Tu Bishvat Community Tree Planting in Atlanta, Georgia on Feb. 9, 2025
Tree Planting at Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesboro, Georgia on May 12, 2025
JAY HORTON
Communications Manager
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light
Phone: 540.421.6968
Email: jay@gipl.org
