In 2023, the City of Spokane received a USDA USFS Urban Forestry grant aimed at expanding tree canopy, with a goal of reaching 30% coverage city-wide by 2030. The focus is on planting in low-canopy neighborhoods and maintaining existing trees. As part of this initiative, Urban Forestry is partnering with Spokane Public Schools (SPS) and its Facilities and Maintenance Department to support tree management on school campuses during the grant period.
The grant includes an educational component designed to raise student awareness of the social and ecological benefits of trees. Pacific Education Institute (PEI) was selected to lead this effort, creating opportunities for students to engage with local environmental challenges such as extreme heat and the urban heat island effect. This collaboration aims to integrate urban forestry into place-based learning, enhancing relevancy and student engagement.
