Nature Forward in Chevy Chase received a $1.35 million grant to promote tree equity.
It will use the funds to “foster a healthier environment for people and wildlife across the DC region,” the organization noted in a news release.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
Nature Forward plans to use the money several ways, including arborist training programs and an urban forest awareness campaign.
“Our vision is to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the nature world and work to preserve it,” said Nature Forward Executive Director Lisa Alexander. “This historic investment is a huge win for our region because it will help make nature more accessible to all communities.”
Nature Forward plans to work together with grassroots partners in historically marginalized communities with low tree canopy cover. Work will include training residents to install 1,000 native trees and pollinator gardens as part of a five-year project called “Tree-cosystems.”
Trees sequester carbon, provide cooling and help reduce storm water runoff, according to Nature Forward.
“When you plant a tree, you offer a lasting gift that generations can appreciate,” Alexander said.
