The City of Seattle is going to be throwing a lot more shade around pretty soon. We’re talking about trees, of course.
Seattle will soon receive $12.9 million from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to bolster its urban tree canopy. The funds are part of a $1 billion project from the USDA to address climate change and extreme heat by literally creating more shade.
In a study conducted by the city, neighborhoods that had fewer trees also had significantly higher average temperatures during the summer.
Seattle will use the $12.9 million to do a few things:
- Plant new trees in areas that need them most and maintain existing canopy throughout the city
- Help connect youth with future environment-related employment
- Spruce up the Delridge Native Forest Garden
In the meantime, you can read up on the City’s new tree protection ordinance.