City Citrus Program

Background

On Friday, March 14, 2014, Councilwoman Chauna Banks, Scotlandville’s AARP Chapter, City Citrus, and Genesis Energy L.P. volunteers planted four Satsuma trees at the Jewel J. Newman Community Center. 

The trees were planted as part of the City Citrus Program, an initiative that provides local sources of fresh fruit to the communities of Baton Rouge. A dedication ceremony for the trees was held on Earth Day, Sunday, April 27, 2014.

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"We are excited to be the first location in North Baton Rouge to have Satsuma trees as part of the City Citrus Program,” said Councilwoman Chauna Banks. “Through the City Citrus Program we are able to bring fruit trees that will be maintained and harvested by the Scotlandville community, benefitting the health of our residents and beautifying our community,” said Chauna.

Members of the Scotlandville AARP will serve as Citrus Shepherds, volunteers who maintain the trees and the areas around them. Once established and the trees bear fruit, the Scotlandville community can provide Satsuma's in the fall season. The fruit will also be available in the Jewel J. Newman Center’s Emergency Food Pantry.

“These trees will provide a sustainable and easily accessible source of nutrition to the Scotlandville community while reinforcing the Jewel J. Newman Center’s role as a true center of the community,” Councilwoman Banks said.

Genesis Energy L.P. donated the trees and materials for planting. City Citrus is a collaboration between Baton Rouge Green, Slow Food Baton Rouge and Lamar Advertising.