The City of Zachary has been awarded a $10,000 Beautification Grant to support a tree-planting

initiative aimed at enhancing public spaces. As part of this project, a highly visible section of Mt.

Pleasant Road was selected for beautification. Recently, thirty-two 12-foot Natchez white crape

myrtles—a Louisiana native species—were planted in the medians, adding greenery and charm

to the area.

This grant was made possible through funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We sincerely thank Lieutenant Governor Billy

Nungesser for choosing Zachary for this beautification initiative,” said Mayor David McDavid.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) Executive Director Susan Russell added, “Through these

grants, Keep Louisiana Beautiful empowers local communities to take pride in their

surroundings, working together to protect and enhance our Sportsman’s Paradise.”

On planting day, Attilio Romero, a fourth grader at Zachary Elementary and recipient of the

ZEPTCO (Zachary Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization) Councilmember of the Day

fundraiser, participated in the event. Attilio had the opportunity to shadow Councilwoman

Ambre DeVirgilio and assist in planting the trees. Mayor McDavid and several community

members also took part, ensuring the project’s success. While planting, Attilio and Mayor

McDavid collected litter from the medians, reinforcing the importance of keeping Zachary clean

and beautiful.

“Teaching children the value of volunteering at a young age is essential to our future,” said

Mayor McDavid. “Keep Louisiana Beautiful mentors youth and citizens alike through programs

such as Love the Boot Week, where individuals and groups statewide demonstrate their

commitment to cleaner, healthier communities.”

Save the date! Zachary’s Love the Boot Cleanup Event is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 10:00

a.m. This year, efforts will focus on cleaning up the Avenues area of Zachary. Stay tuned for

updates on Facebook, and we encourage everyone to volunteer a few hours to help beautify our

city!