We are thrilled to announce that GentleWays has received a grant from Nature Canada this fall to advance our work on tree equity in Ottawa. This vital initiative addresses disparities in urban tree cover, as highlighted in the attached CBC article, which shows that some low-income neighborhoods in Ottawa have significantly fewer trees.
What is Tree Equity?
Tree equity ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or where they live, enjoys the cooling, health, and recreational benefits of urban forests. These benefits include cleaner air, reduced heat stress, and enhanced mental well-being.
At GentleWays, we are committed to promoting tree equity through meaningful action. In partnership with the City of Ottawa, we focus on planting trees in parks and neighborhoods with the lowest tree canopy coverage. For instance, in 2022, our volunteers planted several hundred trees across Barrhaven parks, an area with below-average tree coverage. These efforts are part of a broader mission to create a greener, more equitable Ottawa.
Tree Equity is About More Than Trees
To us, tree equity is not just about planting trees—it’s about fostering inclusion and biodiversity. It means involving diverse cultural groups in environmental action and empowering them to contribute to their communities. For example, our tree-planting events have engaged youth from various cultural backgrounds in Ottawa, creating a shared sense of purpose and environmental stewardship.
Urban forests are vital for more than just people; they are critical to thriving ecosystems. Trees provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and enhance resilience to climate change and pollution. By integrating biodiversity into urban planning, we ensure that ecosystems thrive alongside human communities, creating a balanced and sustainable environment.
The Broader Impact of Tree Equity
Equitably distributed trees are a powerful tool in combating the urban heat island effect, which disproportionately affects low-income areas. Increased tree canopy helps cool cities, improve air quality, and support local wildlife. These dual benefits of urban forests—better living conditions for people and enhanced habitats for species—are essential for creating resilient, livable cities.
With the support of Nature Canada, the dedication of our volunteers, and in partnership with our city’s Forestry Services, GentleWays is working to support a greener, healthier Ottawa for everyone. Together, we can grow not just trees, but also a stronger, more resilient community.