“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long ago.” –Warren Buffett
On warm North Carolina days, we all appreciate the beauty and shade of a tree. And trees are much more than that. They reduce heat and air pollution, provide wildlife habitat and increase property values–particularly important in Charlotte’s growing urban area. That’s why TreesCharlotte was created in 2012 as a public-private collaboration with the City of Charlotte to plant trees, especially in underserved areas.
“An early $96,000 grant from the Women’s Impact Fund gave TreesCharlotte the momentum to grow, and now we are in our 10th planting season,” said Jen Rothacker, director of strategic initiatives.
TreesCharlotte has helped plant more than 40,000 trees over the past nine years. The goal is to reach 50 percent canopy coverage across the Charlotte area. The city can only plant on 9 percent of the land so Rothacker says “ It’s up to good people to do the rest.” That means distributing trees to homeowners and educating people about planting and caring for trees long-term.
“This year’s grant was a gift from heaven,” explained Rothacker. “A lot of what TreesCharlotte does is volunteer-driven. COVID flipped everything on its head.” Thanks to the 2020-2021 WIF grant, TreesCharlotte hosted a massive tree giveaway, as a drive-through event, and distributed a record 5,700 trees during the season.
“WIF has been there every time we needed to grow or pivot. We appreciate the relationship.”
While it’s too hot to plant now, it’s just the right time to enjoy trees. Give them a drink of water and get ready for a new slate of tree giveaways in every zip code starting in October.
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