Jad Daley, CEO & President of American Forests with AZSA February 2023

As the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) continues its commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship, we recognize the vital role that Urban Forestry plays in creating greener and more equitable communities. The cornerstone of our efforts to spread the advantages of urban trees and green spaces to all neighborhoods in Maricopa County and the larger Phoenix metropolitan area is the idea of “Tree Equity,” which American Forests has championed. In this blog, we delve into how Tree Equity impacts our urban forestry initiatives and how it aligns with our upcoming Sustainability Celebration on November 1st, 2023, featuring keynote speaker Jad Daley, the President and CEO of American Forests.

Tree equity emphasizes the need for a fair and just distribution of urban trees and green spaces, ensuring every community can enjoy the myriad benefits of a mature tree canopy. Unfortunately, historical disparities have resulted in unequal tree canopy cover, with some communities enjoying ample greenery while others face significant deficits. This inequity can have wide-ranging effects on public health, air quality, temperature regulation, and overall quality of life.

AZSA is committed to addressing these disparities head-on by implementing Tree Equity strategies throughout Maricopa County and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. We strive to engage communities in tree planting and maintenance projects, empowering residents to actively participate in shaping their local environment. We aim to increase tree canopy cover in underserved neighborhoods through targeted efforts, ensuring all residents can reap the rewards of a healthier and more resilient urban landscape.

As we look forward to our Sustainability Celebration on November 1st, we are excited to spotlight the transformative impact of Tree Equity. We are featuring guest speaker Jad Daley, President and CEO of American Forests.  Another great addition this year is our program partner, Arizona Town Hall. Their model will help us educate, engage, connect, and empower all our attendees on how Tree Equity initiatives can revitalize communities and help us develop strategies to create lasting change in our region.

Join us as we celebrate the strides we’ve made toward a more sustainable future and learn how you can be a catalyst for change in your community. Jad Daley’s invaluable insights will shed light on the importance of Tree Equity and its potential to strengthen social and environmental well-being.

At AZSA, Tree Equity lies at the core of our urban forestry priority, driving us to create thriving, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout Arizona. As we approach our Sustainability Celebration on November 1st, we invite you to join us in this meaningful journey towards a greener and more equitable future. Together, let’s cultivate a landscape where every neighborhood benefits from the power of trees and embraces the true essence of sustainability.

Join our newsletter and follow us on our social media for more updates and event details, and mark your calendars for an inspiring and impactful Sustainability Celebration!