This year, Newman has volunteered almost every Saturday to plant trees with an organization called Soul NOLA. Planting trees is a great way to protect the city against natural forces like floods or hurricanes, yet it also makes it look beautiful everywhere! Trees are very good for the environment, increase wildlife habitats, and even reduce erosion and pollution in the waterways by downsizing the amount of runoff. It is such a great way to turn neighborhoods impacted by hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina into lively districts.

Recently, I went to check it out with a couple of friends, and it’s a great bonding experience for people of all ages. We signed up with Mr. Jones, grabbed some snacks and gloves, and drove to the drop-off location. We were instructed on how to plant a tree and we all worked together to make the place look great. Then, our group split into smaller groups to work more efficiently and plant more trees. There were plenty of breaks and laughs throughout the procedure. It started at 9:30 and continued until 1:00, and it was quite the workout. Be sure to volunteer before planting season is over!