CITY LIFE

A Tree Grows in Providence

Community stewards work toward a more equitable urban forest, one tree at a time

What kind of city infrastructure cleans the air, cools neighborhoods on oppressively hot summer days, supports pollinator habitats, and only increases in value over time? We’re not describing futuristic sci-fi tech or a groundbreaking invention. The answer is simple: trees.

“Urban trees are critical public infrastructure,” says Cassie Tharinger, executive director of Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP). “In the face of increased pollution, more frequent extreme weather events, and spiking summer temperatures, urban trees are an excellent tool to [mitigate the harm] to our environment and improve the physical and mental health of our communities.”

PNPP has been advocating for increased tree coverage since 1989 when the organization was founded by Peggy Sharpe in light of the city’s thinning tree canopy, and more recent initiatives have only spurred the movement along. The PVD Tree Plan, whose formation was prompted by the City’s 2019 Climate Justice Plan, calls on community voices to shape a comprehensive vision for green infrastructure and equitable tree distribution, with PNPP serving as one of the lead partners.