Canopies, a Bay Area nonprofit, is seeking to provide historically disadvantaged neighborhoods with increased tree cover to protect the area and everyone who lives there, and has organized a meeting in Redwood City to find a solution to the lack of trees.
Several vulnerable cities in the EA suffer from less tree cover compared to larger areas, which causes poor air and water quality, as well as a greater risk of heat, noise and flooding.
In response to this challenge, Canopy, an urban forestry company, is addressing the problem and promoting tree cover equity in San Mateo County.
San Mateo County faces significant disparities in tree canopy cover that create environmental and social inequities, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods. East Palo Alto has a tree canopy cover of just 13.5 percent, while Atherton has a tree canopy cover of 51.2 percent.
The event, taking place this coming Wednesday, May 24th from 2:30-4:00 p.m. at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Community Space, located at 801 Jefferson Ave in Redwood City, seeks to teach residents how to advocate for local governments to actively engage communities in land cover management, creating a more just and equitable environment for all.
Additionally, knowledge and resources will be provided to empower residents, increasing their understanding of urban forestry and encouraging active participation in vital conservation initiatives.
Joining the event will be expert Maya Briones, an associate advocate for Canopy who has coordinated tree planting and stewardship programs in East Palo Alto.