WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT) and Cape Fear Garden Club (CFCG) have partnered to plant 65 trees at the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy).

According to ACFT, the project supports both environmental health and educational equity.

“We believe that every student deserves to grow under the protection and beauty of shade,” said ACFT executive director, Isabelle Shepherd. “By increasing access to tree canopy and green space, we’re directly investing in the well-being and success of the students at GLOW.”

GLOW believes the addition of trees will create a healthier and more welcoming campus. Trees have been proven to have many positive impacts on school campuses, including:

• Greener schools are linked to stronger academic outcomes
• Green campuses support healthy lungs
• Trees help kids manage stress and support cognitive health

“Our campus is a place of growth and possibility—just like the trees that will be taking root here,” said director of admissions and community outreach at Beacon Education, Jen Wilson-Mathis. “The addition of 65 trees will make a meaningful difference for our teachers, students, and guests, and we’re grateful to ACFT and CFGC for partnering with us to create a healthier, more beautiful learning environment.”

Trees to be planted include:

• Various native oaks
• Tulip poplar
• Hornbeam
• Serviceberry

The trees are scheduled to be planted on Feb. 7.

Link to original article HERE.

By: WECT Staff

Updated: Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:22 AM EST