Nearly five years after Hurricane Sally battered Foley, the city's urban forest is beginning to recover, thanks to a long-term replanting effort.

Crews with Foley Public Works Department, with support from City Horticulturist John Graham, recently completed several tree planting and landscape enhancement projects, including a major improvement at the corner of Alston Street and Section Avenue.

The once-bare lot, bordered by a small stream that feeds into Wolf Creek, is being transformed into a green, visually appealing part of Foley's streetscape. The project is part of the city's broader strategy to restore its tree canopy, which lost about 40% of its coverage when Hurricane Sally tore through the area in September 2020. The storm uprooted mature trees and stripped away vegetation, drastically altering the city's appearance.

"This project is a good example of how a little planning can turn a space that wasn't being used into something that really adds value to the neighborhood," said Darrell Russell, director of Public Works. "We picked tree types that could handle the conditions, bring color throughout the year, and help with drainage. Reestablishing Foley's urban forestry tree canopy has been a major priority since Hurricane Sally, and this project let us do that while also improving how the city looks and functions."

To maximize both beauty and environmental benefits, crews selected a variety of trees suited to the site's conditions. Bald cypress were planted in low-lying areas to aid stormwater absorption. Other species, including northern red oak, yellow poplar, wax myrtle, magnolia and live oaks, were chosen for their durability, seasonal color, and visual appeal.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the effort is part of the city's broader commitment to enhancing public spaces and boosting quality of life.

"Foley is focused on making smart, long-term investments that not only replace what was lost, but create stronger, more beautiful places for our residents," Hellmich said. "This corner at Alston Street and Section Avenue is a great example of how strategic, well-designed improvements can serve multiple purposes — improving environmental function, strengthening neighborhood identity, and elevating quality of life. Small, consistent, incremental projects like this — carried out over time — can lead to meaningful, positive change for the entire community."

The replanting effort also reflects a focus on community placemaking. By integrating tree plantings with landscape design, the project boosts both environmental function and neighborhood character. The trees provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the area's aesthetic appeal.

As the plantings mature, the once-empty lot is expected to evolve into a vibrant, welcoming space that offers long-term value to nearby residents and the broader community. The city plans to continue restoring tree coverage throughout Foley, gradually rebuilding the green infrastructure that was lost to Hurricane Sally.