The Umpqua Bank Build Your Block Challenge winner for Queen Anne has been selected, and the winner is… Southwest Queen Anne Green Belt Forest Restoration! Since March 12, local residents have had the opportunity to vote for one of three neighborhood enhancement ideas they’d like to see come to life. At an unveiling event on April 5, Umpqua Bank announced that project would receive $10,000, as well as the volunteers needed to complete the project.
The Southwest Queen Anne Greenbelt is 70 acres of woodland threatened by invasive plants. The goal is to plant 500 native conifers. Funds will be used to purchase trees and to coordinate volunteers from Queen Anne and other neighborhoods.
This is the sixth year that Umpqua Bank has put on its Build Your Block Challenge. Past winning projects include community gardens, an eco-friendly kids play area, and outdoor building enhancements, such as a mural painted by local elementary students.