USDA Grant Funding Information
Keep Durham Beautiful and the City of Durham received a $5.3 million USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Inflation Reduction Act to improve tree canopy in disadvantaged areas identified by the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool..
Project Goals
Plant 4,000 Trees: Increase the number of trees on public properties across Durham, focusing on areas with limited green spaces
Giveaway 2,500 Trees: Communicate and giveaway trees to community members within designated communities.
Revise Urban Forest Management Plan: Update the City's 2018 Urban Forest Management Plan to reflect current needs and strategies.
Engage the Community: Offer volunteer opportunities for residents to participate in tree planting and care.
Promote Environmental Equity: Ensure that all communities, especially those historically underserved, benefit from increased tree coverage
Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool- The Justice 40
The Justice40 Initiative is a federal government effort designed to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits from specific Federal investments are directed toward disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized, underserved, and disproportionately burdened by pollution. These disadvantaged communities are represented in dark blue areas on the accompanying map. This map is accessible through ArcGIS for detailed viewing. Keep Durham Beautiful, in partnership with The City of Durham, will utilize this map to help identify areas with critical canopy needs, supporting environmental equity and community health.
How can you get involved?
Keep Durham Beautiful will notify volunteers and recipients about upcoming tree plantings or giveaways through our regular newsletter and social media channels. The most effective way to stay informed about opportunities to help grow Durham’s urban canopy is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media. This way, you won’t miss out on any chances to get involved and make a positive impact in our community!