The District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) recently announced the Canopy 3,000 and Schoolyard and Parkland Tree Planting Grants, which will provide nearly $750,000 in funding for tree planting across the District. The initiative will help the city to meet the Sustainable DC Plan goal to cover 40 percent of the District with a healthy tree canopy by 2032.
“Trees are an invaluable resource in meeting the District’s sustainability and environmental goals,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “They provide shade and reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality and public health, and reduce stormwater runoff – critical elements in successful restoration and protection of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. The Canopy 3,000 initiative will engage new partners and increase the number of trees planted on public spaces and private properties.”
The National Park Service recently committed to planting an additional 1,000 trees in 2016. This commitment, coupled with ongoing collaboration among the 11-member Canopy 3,000 Workgroup, significantly advances the District on the path to meeting several important goals in the Sustainable DC Plan.
