Charlotte received a $1.1 million grant to preserve trees in the city’s Corridors of Opportunity, the city said Thursday.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will support six historically underinvested neighborhoods that Charlotte plans to revitalize. Monica Holmes, executive manager of the Corridors of Opportunity, said in a statement.
“This funding symbolizes a shared commitment to the preservation and protection of our cherished trees, which are not only crucial to our environment but also integral to our community’s cultural and historical fabric," Holmes said. "This grant will undoubtedly leave a lasting, positive impact on our communities, fostering a sense of pride and unity as we work hand-in-hand toward a greener, more equitable future.”
The funds will support two programs. The Canopy Care Program, which will plant new trees and remove hazardous trees in designated communities, will receive $600,000. The other $500,000 will go towards the Tree Maintenance Program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $1 billion total to plant and maintain trees as a tool to combat rising heat across the U.S. and improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs. In Charlotte, like many other cities, low-income areas often have less tree cover and higher temperatures.
The cities of Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, and the town of Cary were othergrant recipients in North Carolina.