About the Baltimore Tree Equity Project
Tree equity means ensuring all communities have access to the health, environmental, and spiritual benefits that trees provide. In Baltimore, some neighborhoods face heat islands, poor air quality, and limited green space due to lower tree canopy coverage. The Branches of Faith project is planting trees to reduce urban heat and strengthen protection from pollution as an expression of faith in action.
Tree equity means ensuring all communities have access to the health, environmental, and spiritual benefits that trees provide. In Baltimore, some neighborhoods face heat islands, poor air quality, and limited green space due to lower tree canopy coverage. The Branches of Faith project is planting trees to reduce urban heat and strengthen protection from pollution as an expression of faith in action.
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We're building a coalition of congregations and community partners dedicated to increasing tree canopy, reducing urban heat, and centering the voices of frontline communities. Through participatory planning workshops, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term tree equity efforts that address climate and environmental justice in communities that need it most.
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What we are Building Together
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Educational Resources: Faith-based materials grounding tree equity in Scripture, theology, and spiritual practice—available in both English and Spanish. |
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Ongoing Support: Regular hub coalition meetings, access to technical experts, connections with city partners, and continued resources to sustain this work beyond the grant period. |
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Participatory Planning Workshops: Community-driven workshops where local knowledge meets technical expertise to identify tree planting priorities and develop strategies that reflect Austin's unique needs.
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Tree Equity Action Plans: Collaborative plans created by hub members that outline where, how, and when tree planting will happen, ensuring an equitable distribution of benefits across participating communities.
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Tree Planting Implementation: $50,000 in funding for approved projects, plus technical support to ensure successful planting and long-term tree health. |
Eligible Communities
We are prioritizing outreach and engagement with congregations located in communities identified as disadvantaged by the EPA's Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. These are neighborhoods that experience disproportionate environmental burdens, including limited tree canopy, higher heat exposure, and reduced access to green spaces. See if your congregation is in an eligible area:
Timeline
Current Status: We are in Phase 1, actively recruiting congregations and building partnerships.
Current Status: We are in Phase 1, actively recruiting congregations and building partnerships.
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Phase #1 Coalition Building (April 2025 - March 2026) Building the Austin Tree Equity Hub Coalition, developing educational resources and workshop curricula, recruiting congregations, and establishing partnerships. |
Phase #2 Participatory Planning (March 2026 - December 2026) Hosting participatory planning workshops where congregations and community members work together to identify priorities and create the Austin Tree Equity Action Plan. |
Phase #3 Implementation (January 2027 - March 2028) Putting plans into action—planting trees, integrating tree equity education into congregational life, and establishing sustainable tree maintenance programs. |
Get Involved!
For this program, either your Congregation can become involved, or you can individually volunteer as a Tree Planter.
For this program, either your Congregation can become involved, or you can individually volunteer as a Tree Planter.
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Congregations
What You'll Receive:
Tree-Planting Volunteers
Opportunities to participate in tree planting events, workshop support, and community engagement will be posted as they become available. |
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Additional Resources
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Contact
Questions? Contact Katerina Gonzales at [email protected] for questions about our tree equity projects. |
Partners
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