Beat the Heat, Beautify the Streets
Georgia summers are no joke—but neither is your commitment to keeping your community beautiful. While the temperatures climb, there are still plenty of ways to stay active, give back, and make a visible difference in your neighborhood. With a little planning and some heat-smart strategies, you can make a big impact without breaking a sweat. Get inspired by these creative and practical ideas to keep your surroundings vibrant all summer long.
Photo by Павло Павлюк on Unsplash
Time It Right
The early morning and evening hours are your best friends this time of year. Plan beautification projects during these cooler windows to avoid the midday heat. Whether you’re weeding a garden bed, picking up litter, or refreshing a community space, make sure to wear breathable clothing, apply sunscreen, and keep plenty of water on hand.
Choose Heat-Friendly Projects
Summer is the perfect time for low-effort, high-impact projects that don’t require hours in the sun. A few ideas:
Mulch around trees and gardens to lock in moisture and reduce weeds.
Plant heat-tolerant native species that require less water and support local wildlife.
Pick up litter along shaded streets, trails, or creeks.
Water young trees or pollinator plants to help them thrive in dryer weather.
Paint or stencil storm drains to raise awareness and brighten the streetscape.
Short projects like these can be completed in less than an hour and still leave your neighborhood looking better than ever.
Help Pollinators and Birds Stay Cool
Our local pollinators need a little summer relief too! You can help by:
Setting out shallow water dishes or birdbaths, refreshed regularly.
Creating shaded spots with native shrubs or small trees.
Planting nectar-rich native flowers that bloom in summer to provide natural hydration and food.
Avoiding pesticides to keep bees and butterflies safe.
These small efforts make a big difference in supporting Georgia’s wildlife during the hottest months.
Beautify Together
Our local affiliates across Georgia are leading the way with smart summer stewardship. From neighborhood cleanups scheduled at cooler times of day to community gardens that thrive even in heat, these groups are great examples of how teamwork and timing can overcome the summer sun. Consider joining an affiliate near you to get involved or find inspiration for your own heat-smart projects.
Upcycle Your Garden
Summer is also a perfect time to get creative with upcycling. Try turning old containers into planters, repurposing fabric scraps as garden ties, or using leftover wood to build birdhouses or pollinator habitats. These projects not only add beauty and function to your outdoor spaces but also reduce waste and give new life to materials that might otherwise be tossed.
Tag us in your summer projects—we’d love to see how you’re keeping Georgia beautiful all season long!