Urban Resources Initiative Doubles Tree Planting Efforts

Yale School of the Environment

Mayor Justin Elicker and URI Director Colleen Murphy-Dunning planted the first of 1,000 trees slated for New Haven in 2024 – the start of the city’s largest tree planting effort to date.

A $2.6 million USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, is enabling New Haven to double its annual tree plantings from 500 to 1,000 trees per year over the next five years. The ceremonial first planting took place at Kimberly Field in the Hill neighborhood, adjacent to Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School, where 30 new trees were planted that week. The initiative focuses on environmental justice neighborhoods, school properties, and city parts to address neighborhood disparities, reduce heat island effects, and improve quality of life. The Urban Resources Initiative, based at YSE, is leading the effort in partnership with New Haven Public Schools, Common Ground, The Sound School, EMERGE, IRIS, and Believe in Me Empowerment Corporation.

Panasonic DC-GH5 w/ Lumix GX Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 and 35-100mm f/2.8