The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is partnering with Venice Area Beautification, Inc. to create an "urban forest" along the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. The organizations plan to create a forested greenway nearly two miles. The project began several years ago as a grassroots vision to reclaim a former CSX railway corridor. So far, more than 400 trees of 32 species and understory plants have been planted as part of phase one. When the project is completed, the forest will stretch from the Venice Train Depot to Center Road. All native trees and shrubs are being planted so that the forest provides habitat for migratory songbirds and native wildlife.