Chapel Hill Review

Chapel Hill, Apr 4, 2024 - Forty new trees are set to flourish in the Northside and Pine Knolls neighborhoods of Chapel Hill, thanks to the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant. The initiative aims to not only beautify the areas but also enhance environmental equity and sustainability.

John Richardson, Community Sustainability Manager for the Town of Chapel Hill, highlighted the importance of this project, stating, "When you look at a map of tree canopy cover in Chapel Hill, you can see that the density is lower in Northside and Pine Knolls than in some other neighborhoods."

Shenekia Weeks, DEI Officer for the Town of Chapel Hill, emphasized the broader impact of planting trees in these neighborhoods, saying, “It helps improve environmental equity.”

To ensure the long-term success of the trees, careful planning and community involvement were key factors. Richardson mentioned, “We wanted to do this right and were intentional about tree selection, siting, care, and community buy-in.”

Adam Smith, Outreach Specialist for Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, stressed the importance of proper tree placement, stating, “You want to make sure that you’re planting the right tree in the right place.”

The Orange County Community Climate Action Grant not only covered the cost of planting the trees but also provided funding for tree maintenance during the first year. Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager for Orange County, explained, “This extra support will help these trees grow strong and healthy in the years to come.”

Elizabeth Houghton, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator for the Town of Chapel Hill, highlighted the community-centric approach of the project, saying, “Our goal has been happy trees and happy people.”

Expressing her delight in participating in the initiative, Cleo Caldwell, a Northside resident, shared, “I’m a nature person, and my interest was instantly sparked when I heard about the free trees. I love my new trees, and I’m so glad that I signed up.”

The tree-planting project not only aims to enhance the natural beauty of the neighborhoods but also to foster a sense of community pride and environmental stewardship among residents.