REWILDING PROGRAM
A Holistic Approach to Land Use.
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light’s ReWilding program focuses on the ecological regeneration of congregational lands, restoring natural processes, and fostering more resilient ecosystems and communities. Sustainable land use stands as a pivotal, and often overlooked, climate solution. Conserving forests and natural habitats, managing food production and consumption, and improving land use can help mitigate the worst impacts associated with rising temperatures and climate change. Sustainable landscaping techniques and the “ReWilding” of sacred grounds are critical for increasing carbon storage in soil and plants, attracting pollinators and wildlife, and restoring ecological health.
Our Focus:
Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens
Incorporating native plants and pollinator gardens on congregational grounds is a powerful way for faith communities to support local ecosystems and build climate resilience. GIPL works with congregations who are interested in incorporating these practices into their land use plans. We partner with local organizations to provide land assessments and sustainable landscaping plans. We then consult with congregations on implementation, including invasive species removal, designing and planting gardens, and seeking certifications for pollinator and native plant habitats. Congregations who are interested in participating in this program should contact GIPL’s Program Coordinator, Meagan Williams, at meagan@gipl.org.
In partnership with Trees Atlanta, Food Well Alliance, and local congregations throughout the state, GIPL is working to distribute and plant over 1,500 trees over the next three years in neighborhoods that currently lack adequate tree canopy. Trees are crucial for advancing public health by fighting urban heat, sequestering carbon, and improving air quality.
Through this initiative, we will plant trees on-site on congregational properties and in other public community spaces. We will also host tree giveaway events where we will distribute trees to community members to plant at home. Look for events coming soon!
Tree Plantings
*Funding provided, in part, by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with American Forests.