Denver community tree planting initiative expansion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded a $5,000,000 Project Grant under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) to the City and County of Denver Department of Finance. The grant will fund the Denver Community Tree Planting Initiative Expansion, which aims to plan, establish, manage, and protect trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in Denver to provide ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic advantages to urban and community settings.

The grant includes two sub-awards. The first sub-award to The Park People, a Denver-based non-profit, will expand their existing tree planting program by hiring community connectors, providing free arborist services, and training participants in their workforce development program. The second sub-award to the Americas for Conservation + Arts and CREA Results partnership will expand tree planting, education, community engagement, and workforce opportunities, particularly in low-canopy, heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. The sub-awardees plan to plant approximately 1,500 to 1,575 trees over the 5-year project period and engage 2,000 residents in Denver and surrounding communities.