Escambia County Enhances Tree Canopy Through $50,000 Urban Forestry Grant

Escambia County's Natural Resources Management Department is thrilled to announce a recent $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service for urban forestry efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Sally in September 2020.

With the grant, Natural Resources Management staff assessed 77 miles of urban tree canopy, primarily in southern areas of Escambia County that received the heaviest impacts from Hurricane Sally. Information gathered from the assessment will be used to further target neighborhoods with low tree canopy and equity for future tree planting opportunities. A healthy and sustainable tree canopy offers numerous benefits, including stormwater management, flood mitigation, air quality improvement, and energy conservation.

To further improve Escambia County's tree canopy, staff planted approximately 200 trees on county properties in areas with low tree equity and gave away another 400 trees to county residents. Through a partnership with Escambia Extension Services, the trees were given away to residents who attended tree care workshops focusing on "right tree, right place" and proper planting techniques. In total, 600 new trees were added to the Pensacola Bay Watershed during the 2023-2024 planting season, which will help increase environmental services provided by a healthy tree canopy.

"Trees are an essential component of our urban infrastructure," Escambia County Environmental Program Manager and Arborist Jimmie Jarratt said. "My hope is that through additional educational promotions and community planting tree efforts, we can create a more resilient and sustainable community for generations to come."

To learn more, contact Jimmie Jarratt at [email protected]. Follow Natural Resources Management on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on tree giveaways, conservation projects, and more.

Natural Resources Management staff planted trees on county properties in areas with low tree equity throughout the 2023-2024 planting season.