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The Town of Farmville has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to plant trees along the Buffalo Creek and Dogwood Trail.

“We hope to improve the environmental health and aesthetic of our town with the completion of this project,” Town Horticulturist Jay Wilkerson said. “Planting trees is an investment in Farmville’s infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing them mature.”

The award was one of seven grants totaling $21,150, for conservation projects in the Appomattox River watershed.

“We are thrilled to be able to support projects that not only improve water quality across the watershed, but also create or enhance public access to outdoor spaces,” Emily White, VOF’s grant program manager said.

In October, Town of Farmville officials held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Buffalo Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Project.

The new connection between trails and sidewalks allows citizens, Centra Southside Community Hospital employees and visitors, and the Longwood University community to access the Barbara Rose John’s Farmville Prince Edward Community Library, skateboard park, picnic areas, the community fruit orchard, and doctors’ offices nearby.

“This project was identified on the town’s transportation plan, the VDOT six-year plan, and the Commonwealth Regional Council Bicycle Plan,” Farmville Mayor, David Whitus said.

“A bicycle and pedestrian-friendly locality provides many benefits to residents and visitors.”

According to Whitus, the total cost of the project was close to $1.3 million.

The project financing came from several sources, including the VDOT Enhancement Program with a 20% local share amount, the VDOT Alternatives Program with a 20% share, and local funding from the town.

The local share amount for the Buffalo Creek Bike/Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connections is $308,336.