we are committed to increasing our urban canopy
The Lands Council’s Urban Forestry Program aims to equitably increase Spokane’s urban canopy coverage by planting free trees in low-income neighborhoods with below average canopy coverage. This ensures that all residents have equal access to the benefits of urban greenspace. By enhancing Spokane’s urban forests, we can build a more beautiful, climate-resilient community for generations to come. Thanks to our partnership with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Conservation District, we’re able to engage the community and plant more trees than ever before!
What is spocanopy?
SpoCanopy’s goal is to increase Spokane's urban canopy by planting free street trees in low-income neighborhoods with low canopy coverage and disproportionate environmental disparities, so that all communities have access to the benefits of street trees and green spaces.
Street trees provide a wide variety of benefits such as storm water mitigation, keeping our Spokane River clean, providing habitat for urban wildlife, increasing property values, providing shade, decreasing energy usage, and lowering temperature on the streets, sidewalks, and overall neighborhood. Trees also help to boost immune systems by reducing area pollution and air-borne particles. Studies have shown that time spent in nature and around trees can even reduce stress.
Where are we planting SpoCanopy trees?
The SpoCanopy program is growing quickly, with a focus on environmental justice. It is our goal to plant 200 street trees each year. We are focusing efforts in Northeast Spokane, in areas that have below average canopy cover. Spokane on average has 20% canopy coverage, with the highest density neighborhoods on the South Hill at almost 40% canopy coverage. Compare that with Northeast Spokane which has 13% on average and the least dense neighborhood at 11% canopy coverage.
The City of Spokane’s new program, Tree Equity Spokane, supports more than just tree planting. If you have a tree that needs removal or pruning, visit their page for more information: Tree Equity Spokane.
what is coolcanopy?
CoolCanopy is a sister program to SpoCanopy, a partnership between The Lands Council and The Spokane Conservation District. This program extends the benefits of urban trees not only to Spokane, but also to neighboring cities within Spokane County. CoolCanopy trees can be planted in front, back, or side yards and are not limited to street trees within the public right-of-way. Take advantage of these free trees while funding is available through USFS and EPA grants, which support the program through 2029! Use the image below to check if you qualify for a free tree by living in one of the underserved or overburdened areas designated by the Climate Justice Economic Screening Tool.
Where are we planting coolcanopy trees?
Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with Spokane Urban Forestry and Spokane Conservation District.
Thank you to our sponsors: Townshend Cellar, Avista Utilities, and The Wander Project. Thank you to our partner, Spokane Urban Forestry.
Urban forestry is community-based, and The Lands Council cannot restore our urban greenspaces without the support of our community. You can help by signing up for a free tree, volunteering to plant trees, or donating to fund a planting. Our urban forestry programs rely on volunteers, and we need your support to continue this important work! Please join us in restoring our urban trees in any way you can.
What is a street tree?
While all trees have benefits, “street” trees are within the right-of-way. The right-of-way area may be a defined planting strip, or in some neighborhoods, space behind a sidewalk, or area adjacent to a curb (with no sidewalk).
Residents are required to maintain the trees including watering in the hot summer and fall months, and pruning the tree as it matures.
