NYC Parks Department Launches Urban Reforestation Initiative

The NYC Parks Department announced a bold urban reforestation initiative on October 12, 2024, aiming to plant one million trees across the five boroughs by 2035. Dubbed the NYC Urban Canopy Project, the initiative seeks to combat the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance green spaces in underserved communities.
“Trees are essential to the health of our city and its residents,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue at the program’s launch in the South Bronx. The first phase of the project will focus on neighborhoods with limited tree cover, providing shaded areas to reduce heat-related risks and improve public spaces.
The initiative includes partnerships with local schools, community groups, and environmental nonprofits to engage residents in tree planting and care. Educational workshops on tree maintenance and urban ecology will accompany the program, empowering communities to take an active role in greening their neighborhoods.
Environmental advocates applauded the initiative, calling it a critical step in building climate resilience and fostering biodiversity in NYC. Officials estimate that the expanded tree canopy will capture thousands of tons of carbon annually, contributing to the city’s climate action goals.