AFC+A is on an ambitious mission to plant 5,000 trees over the next five years in neighborhood that experience environmental injustices. With generous support from our sponsors and involvement from neighbors, we are well on our way. Our Promotores Verdes teach their neighbors why and how to plant, and how to care for their new trees. Together, we are building a stronger urban forest.
We cannot achieve our ambitious goal without the support of these partners. They value our work and honor the communities we serve with the resources needed to work towards equity.
Everyone Has a Right to a Healthy Environment
Led by AFC+A and CREA Results, the Tree Keepers Initiative focuses on planting trees in Denver and Aurora neighborhoods that face a disproportionate burden of the heat island effect. Urban forests create healthier, cooler, and more sustainable cities.
Tree Equity: A Necessity for Urban Health and Wellbeing
Urban tree canopies serve a critical role in cooling urban areas. They can cool temperatures by as much as ten degrees and decrease winter heating bills by 25-50%. Trees also act as a natural filters, removing dangerous pollutants from the air and play a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon emissions.
Trees also play an important role in the physical and mental health of those around them. The mere presence of urban green spaces has been proven to enhance physical and mental health, reduce high blood pressure and stress, an increase property values by up to 20%.
With all these benefits, we can’t help but wonder why such drastic inequities exist. In the Denver metro area, people of color live in neighborhoods that have 40% less tree coverage than predominantly white neighborhoods. People living in poverty have 65% less tree canopy coverage than affluent areas. Addressing these inequities can create healthier, more resilient communities that receive the many benefits that trees provide.
Join us in our mission to plant trees and transform our urban landscape, ensuring that everyone has access to the health, climate, and economic benefits they provide.
Explore the diverse types of trees we’re planting in Denver and Aurora to enhance urban greenery and promote environmental sustainability. Explore our guide to learn more about each species and their benefits to our community.
Volunteering with our Community Tree Planting initiative allows you to make a real impact on urban sustainability. Help plant trees, educate residents, and support community outreach in Denver and Aurora. Your efforts will improve air quality, reduce heat islands, and create greener, healthier neighborhoods while providing enriching experiences and lasting connections.
Your contributions fuel our mission to advance healthy communities through environmental and cultural justice. With your generous support, we can continue and expand our important work engaging underrepresented communities and driving impactful change.
