Philadelphia has been awarded a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the Philly Tree Plan, a 10-year strategy to equitably increase the city's tree canopy.

The grant, announced last Thursday, is part of the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act and represents one of the largest federal investments in urban forestry for Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) led efforts to secure the funding, partnering with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC).

Matt Rader, PHS President, said, "This grant will empower partners to expand tree canopy in seven priority neighborhoods, improving air quality, reducing heat-related illnesses, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents."

The Philly Tree Plan aims to achieve 30% tree canopy coverage citywide within 30 years. Currently, the average is about 20%, with some neighborhoods as low as 2.5%.

USDA Deputy Secretary Meryl Harrell stated, "The Forest Service is supporting communities, such as Philadelphia, in becoming more resilient to climate change and combating extreme heat through increased urban tree canopy."

The plan, developed with input from over 9,000 residents and experts, focuses on equity in tree distribution. It identifies seven priority areas based on environmental justice criteria, including heat exposure, air quality, and asthma rates.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson noted that the plan aligns with Mayor Cherelle Parker's vision for "a safer, cleaner, and greener city."

Implementation efforts include tree planting, maintenance, workforce development, and community engagement. A new Philly Tree Coalition, housed at PHS, will coordinate these efforts.

Officials and partners celebrated the grant at a press conference on Sept. 19 at PHMC's Public Health Campus on Cedar, followed by a tour of nearby Malcolm X Park to showcase recent tree-planting efforts.