What is urban tree canopy?
Urban tree canopy includes the trees in our communities: cities, towns, suburbs. They are planted along the streets, on residential properties, in parks, and in urban natural areas.
The urban tree canopy is essential in creating healthy, vibrant communities.
What trees do for our communities:
- Trees remove street-level air pollution.
- Trees reduce the effects of urban heat islands by lowering temperatures.
- Trees support wildlife habitat by giving birds, pollinators, and other animals places to live.
- Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Trees contribute to safer, more walkable streets.
What is the Equitable Tree Canopy program?
The Equitable Tree Canopy (ETC) program, administered by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) under the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) oversight, is a community-centered initiative aimed at enhancing urban forests and tree canopies in Portland. Established to promote healthy, resilient communities through green infrastructure, the program's objectives include planting at least 15,000 trees on public and private property, maintaining tree health, fostering community engagement, and supporting workforce development in the tree establishment and maintenance industry. Through strategic partnerships and stakeholder collaboration, the ETC program seeks to address environmental equity, combat urban heat islands, and create sustainable urban environments for future generations.
Read about the Equitable Tree Canopy Workgroup
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
Approved by voters in 2018, the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund invests in community-led and community-centered projects that reduce carbon emissions, create economic opportunity, and help make our city more resilient as we face a changing climate. Learn more about us on our YouTube channel or on our website.
Questions?
Email us at cleanenergyfund@portlandoregon.gov.