Inflation reduction act erie county new york community tree and climate equity partnership project

This Project Grant award of $5,218,834 was provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727). The grant funds a comprehensive community tree and climate equity partnership project in Erie County, New York, with a performance period from July 2024 to May 2029.

The key products and services to be delivered under this grant include:

• Establishing a food forest and recruiting/training community members as tree stewards and garden guides in Buffalo
• Expanding the Town of Tonawanda's tree nursery and developing a comprehensive street tree and park tree planting and maintenance program in disadvantaged communities
• Providing community forestry education, workforce development, outreach, and engagement activities led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County

These initiatives aim to plan, establish, manage, and protect trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in urban areas to provide ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic advantages, with a focus on advancing environmental justice in underserved communities.