history

The initiative was piloted in Chicago in 2020 with funding jointly provided by the USDA Forest Service’s (USFS) Urban and Community Forestry and Forest Health Protection Programs. It is a growing national movement, intended to be driven by the place-based needs and goals of each community. For instance, in Chicago, neighborhoods with tree canopy decline resulting from emerald ash borer (EAB) damage were targeted, and work is being conducted on private property. People with ties to our focal communities, especially youth, veterans, and people who have been justice involved[FC1] ,  are prioritized for employment through a related workforce development program. Thus far, we have had great success employing youth to build skills in urban forestry and community engagement. Treesilience has expanded to St. Louis, MO, as a result of $450K in federal investment where tree equity and racial injustice are significant threats to both people and nature, as well as Orlando, FL where major weather events threaten tree canopy each year, driving a priority on mature tree pruning for storm resilience.