The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is working in Orlando to ensure a healthy tree canopy exists in vulnerable communities in the face of climate change. When a storm hits the Orlando metro area, severe winds and wind-born rain create hazards such as flooding and downed trees across the region. Homeowners who are more vulnerable to, and disproportionately impacted by, extreme weather events often lack the resources for preventive tree maintenance. This increases their risk of damage caused by unhealthy or dying trees.
Treesilience supports climate mitigation, tree conservation, and restoration in vulnerable neighborhoods providing multiple benefits to the community and the environment. These benefits include reducing extreme heat and heat islands, reducing utility bills, improving air quality, and increasing carbon sequestration.
Orlando Metro Treesilience is currently working with Pine Hills Community Council, Infinite Zion Farms, IDEAS for Us, and Davey Tree Expert Company. The project has three core components: 1) ensuring tree health through tree monitoring and maintenance; 2) replacing lost tree canopy through tree planting; and 3) a long-term goal of creating a workforce development program focused on arborist skills for at-risk individuals.
For More information on The Orlando Treesilience Program, Please email: Info@pinehills.info