Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI), a 30-year-old, volunteer based organization, with a $100,000 grant to support Phase 3 of the Venice Urban Forest. Since 1998, Gulf Coast has provided over $1.5 million dollars in their historic partnership with VABI. Phase 3 is the final phase of the Urban Forest, along an industrial corridor, and focuses on installation of additional irrigation piping to irrigate all the new trees and understory plants. The grant will cover the cost for native trees to be bought and planted, including 400 slash pines, 200 red cedars, and 10 longleaf pines. The Urban Forest is home to over 90 different species of birds. It features nearly two miles of lush forest, where people of all ages can enjoy an oasis of relaxation and peace.

The grant is especially timely after the Urban Forest suffered damage from Hurricane Ian, losing approximately 125 trees. “The Venice Urban Forest, powered in part by funding from Gulf Coast, is an environmental safe haven for wildlife, clean water, and a place of natural respite for residents and visitors,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Senior Vice President of Community Leadership Jon Thaxton. “The secret sauce in the success of this project has been the hardworking volunteers of VABI who have not been deterred by rain, heat, or hurricanes in their mission to create an accessible and beautiful walking trail forest for all.”

The Urban Forest sretches from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road and provides a beautiful woodland trail for pedestrians parallel to the Venetian Waterway Park. All native trees and shrubs are being planted so that the forest provides habitat specifically for migratory songbirds and native wildlife.

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation has come through for us again. They have been a constant and strong supporter of VABI and many of its endeavors, and I am very thankful that I live in a community where such a generous foundation has supported this organization,” said VABI Board of Directors President Nancy Woodley. The future of the Urban Forest includes using natural materials to stabilize a maintenance pathway so the volunteers can continue to maintain the property. Phase 1 of the Venice Urban Forest is open to all from dawn to dusk. To learn more about the Venice Urban Forest, visit VeniceUrbanForest.com.

For more information click here.