New environmental project brings flood protection and more to East Thomas

Improved air quality, beautification and even flooding protection come to East Thomas + Legion Field Stadium, thanks to dozens of volunteers, The World Games 2022 and Vulcan Materials Company. Keep reading for details on the latest sustainability effort.

Planting seeds for the future 🌳

In an inspiring project, The World Games 2022 partnered up with Vulcan Materials Company, a Birmingham-based construction materials producer, to make a lasting environmental impact on Birmingham communities. 

The team worked together to plant 150 trees in East Thomas and Legion Field Stadium. That’s a lot of green thumbs. 

Keep Birmingham Beautiful, a City of Birmingham Public Works division, also provided volunteers with trash bags to pick up litter in the area.

Lasting impact for East Thomas 

East Thomas has a deep historical past in Alabama. It is the hometown of political activist Angela Davis and Author Shores, the first African American lawyer to represent clients in Alabama courts. 

Ku Klux Klan bombings plagued the city in the early 1950s. The horrific tragedy this community faced played a part in the team’s decision to plant the trees in East Thomas.

“Even before The Games arrived, this community had an incredible story to tell, and we’re happy to have planted the seeds to help history grow differently.”

Kathy Boswell, Executive Vice President of Community and Volunteer Engagement, The World Games 2022

The East Thomas community is low-lying and prone to dangerous flash-flooding. The 90 trees that were planted in the neighborhood will help mitigate the damage.

When heavy rainfall hits, the trees will be able to absorb a substantial amount of water through their roots. The project also aids in improving air quality and of course, provides a beautiful natural landscape for years to come.

Hardworking volunteers also planted 60 trees around Legion Field Stadium. 

Partnership for change 

The World Games 2022 and Vulcan Materials Company have made it their mission to bring positive change to Birmingham’s environment, even after the events come to a close.

“This project directly connects with who we are as a company and our values: people, community, and environmental stewardship. It is a way to have a lasting impact on the community and help celebrate an exciting event.”

Janet Kavinoky, Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Communications, Vulcan Materials Company

How you can help 

You can be a part of the change. If you’re looking to get involved with The World Games 2022, sign up to be a volunteer!

Check out more community involvement for The World Games 2022, coming to Bham next July:

• The World Games 2022 is the most accessible sporting event ever—why it matters
• Vonetta Flowers named as Honorary Co-Chair for The World Games 2022
• The World Games 2022 brings global education to local schools with new initiative—learn more

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