City Launches ‘Community Trees in Trust’ Program to Improve Tree Equity

Published on: 2023/05/07 - in News

The City of Kingston is launching a new pilot program supporting community-led tree planting events to help grow canopy cover and improve tree equity. The Community Trees in Trust Program will provide trees, training and support to community-based groups who organize and host planting events within designated areas of the City of Kingston that have low tree equity. Trees must be planted on privately owned land and not on City-owned or managed land.

According to Karen Santucci, Director of Public Works and Solid Waste, “Through the Community Trees in Trust Program, we hope to encourage community groups to join us in tree stewardship across the city. Each tree we plant contributes significantly to our health and wellbeing, our environment and our sense of community. Importantly, not everyone has the same access to trees and the benefits they provide, so improving tree equity is a major element of this program.”

The program targets areas that have a low level of tree canopy and a high level of residents below the poverty line. The City has identified these areas on a map on the program’s website. Targeting these areas will start to help equalize the tree canopy level for all residents.

Those interested in participating must be a community-based not-for-profit group or organization (incorporated or unincorporated) that is based in Kingston and have a minimum of one year of experience as a community group.

Applications for the Community Trees in Trust Program are due on Friday, June 16, at 4 p.m. The City will then work with approved applicants on their planting plan.

More information and online application


PhotoAlex Indigo (cc)