Arbor Day Foundation Programs
Texas is rapidly growing. Increasing the strain on ecosystems surrounding our communities. While we need homes, roads, commercial buildings, and other infrastructure, the materials and methods used increases stormwater runoff, heat island effects, loss of habitat for various species, and decreases green space.
That’s why we help communities develop sustainable, evidence-based strategies to conserve canopy and mitigate environmental effects due to canopy loss.
And we actively seek local, regional, state, and national partnerships with organizations that are motivated to support community tree canopy across Texas like the Arbor Day Foundation.
Arbor Day Foundation
Only 3% of Texas land is publicly owned and includes national parks, national forests, state parks, and municipal parks. Municipal parks are the most used as they are closest to people. However, they tend to be the first to experience budget shortfalls in communities and increased environmental effects related to urbanization.
These vital community green spaces are hubs for migratory birds, localized carbon sinks, natural water purification, wildlife corridors, natural air conditioners, and many other ecosystem and tree benefits.
We wanted to unify how communities can be recognized for their relationships to their trees, while keeping in mind local and regional needs that exist for communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation is one of our partners to educate and establish municipal tree programs across Texas. This free framework helps Texan communities to protect, educate, care for and highlight their tree canopy for generations to come.
Programs
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An elite designation for communities that meet minimum standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation for community forestry programs.
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Recognizes colleges and universities that effectively manage their trees and more.
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Promotes the dual goals of safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across utility service areas.
Program values
Energy conservation
Trees help conserve energy by casting summer shade and blocking chilly winter winds. Strategically placed trees help conserve energy around your home.
Stormwater control
To cope with storm runoff, cities must construct expensive systems to capture and control stormwater. Trees intercept rainfall that would otherwise run off of impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads, and parking lots.
Clean & cool air
As a by-product of commerce and development, urban areas generate heat and pollution. Large shade trees filter air and reduce ambient temperatures.
Property values
One healthy shade tree can increase property values by up to 10 percent. Invest in your home or community by planting trees! Explore the free National Tree Benefit Calculator by iTree to see your canopy investment.
Job creation
The care and management of trees contributes substantially to the Texas economy, providing an estimated $4.7 billion in industry output and over 57,000 jobs.
Community well-being and human health
Many studies have shown that a treed environment helps reduce stress and helps people focus better and stay on task. Neighborhoods with healthy trees have lower crime rates and street trees reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. Explore our webpage on Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives Initiative.
Funding opportunities
Eligible communities and organizations that participate in our Community Forestry Grants program can receive bonus points towards their grant applications when they attain Tree City USA status or are actively seeking Growth Awards.
Grassroots efforts & self-determination in Texas communities
The Arbor Day Foundation programs are a free framework for your community to decide how you want to support and celebrate trees in your community.