WEST PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Government officials, community leaders and members of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society gathered in Malcolm X Park on Thursday to celebrate a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support planting more trees in Philadelphia.
The $12 million grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will go towards the Philly Tree Plan, the city’s 10-year plan to equitably grow the city’s tree canopy.
Meryl Harrel, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment for the USDA, spoke about the importance of Philly’s tree strategy.
“It is such an inspirational plan and vision,” she said. “To be able to help support activating, and realizing and implementing that vision is why we are so grateful to have had this opportunity for resources from the inflation reduction act to invest in urban and community forestry.”
Currently, the average city canopy coverage in Philadelphia is 20%, but some neighborhoods fall as low as 2.5%.
Michael Pearson, president and CEO of Public Health Management Corporation, said the longevity of the city depends on a “healthy and well-cared-for urban forest.”
“That protects us from heat, improves mental and physical health and serves as a weapon against climate change,” he said.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed Harrel. The current article reflects that change.