Hundreds of communities around the country will share more than $1 billion in federal money to help them plant and maintain trees under a federal program that is intended to reduce extreme heat, benefit health and improve access to nature.

Hundreds of communities around the country will share more than $1 billion in federal money to help them plant and maintain trees under a federal program that is intended to reduce extreme heat, benefit health and improve access to nature.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce the $1.13 billion in funding for 385 projects at an event Thursday morning in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The tree plantings efforts will be focused on marginalized areas in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and some tribal nations.

“We believe we can create more resilient communities in terms of the impacts of climate,” Vilsack told reporters in previewing his announcement. “We think we can mitigate extreme heat incidents and events in many of the cities.”

  • HeartyBeast
    34•1 year ago

    It’s pretty amazing how effective trees are at cooling street temperatures. Also capture some particulates.

    The key is to make sure they are looked after.

    • @[email protected]
      5•1 year ago

      the key was the plant them 40 years ago, but instead they doubled down and increased densification.

      • @alienanimals
        18•1 year ago

        Density isn’t the problem. It’s a lack of green space (which is possible with density).

        The alternative is more sprawl / single family housing which would generate even more concrete cover and increase surface temperatures.

        • @captainlezbianEnglish
          11•1 year ago

          Yeah not every city needs a Central Park size green space nor do people need lawns for everyone. Trees along the sidewalks, hedges in front of buildings… Look at the rich part of your nearest city. It’s probably fairly dense except for its park, but it’ll be shaded and have room for people to grow some plants on their porch or in front of it or somewhere like that. Space that would otherwise be bare concrete.

          There’s also rooftop gardens but that’s a whole other thing.

      • HeartyBeast
        5•1 year ago

        You’ll be surprised how fast a decent-sized tree can start producing useful shade. Put in something about 6ft and 5 years later it will be making a difference.