By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
A national nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino communities and improving access to public resources has launched a $10 million initiative to increase urban tree canopies in underserved areas across the United States, including the Sunshine State.
Hispanic Access has launched the Nuestros Bosques: Faith-Based and Strategic Local Investments program, which provides grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million for projects to enhance environmental resilience, particularly in neighborhoods vulnerable to urban heat and pollution.
Amaris Alanis Ribeiro is director of forestry at Hispanic Access, and said the program is designed to empower communities with more than just greenery.
“I think our angle of calling it nuestros bosque signifies that it’s about a reciprocal relationship with our forest,” said Ribeiro. “This is our environment, and having that long-term relationship with the environment is key.”
The Nuestros Bosques program, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, encourages faith-based organizations, Indigenous groups and local nonprofits to apply.
Its 80% funding focus is on disadvantaged communities. Applications are open until Nov. 15, and interested organizations can apply through the Hispanic Access Foundation’s website.
Ribeiro said the initiative highlights the role of faith-based organizations and Indigenous groups, among the key eligible applicants, in fostering a community-based approach to environmental care.
“The way our communities, especially Black and brown communities, connect with the environment,” said Ribeiro, “with our ancestral knowledge, our indigenous knowledge, has been through a spiritual and cultural way.”
Funding will be allocated to projects focusing on urban tree planting and maintenance, planning and community engagement around forestry.
In Miami Beach, city officials plan to use the funds to expand native tree coverage along the Beachwalk path, which spans Miami’s east coast, to mitigate urban heat and flooding risks.
The city of Hollywood plans to use the funds to plant nearly 500 trees in disadvantaged neighborhoods — including species such as the southern oak, royal poinciana and Sabal palms.
Florida News Connection is a bureau of the Public News Service. Banner photo: An intertwined network of Southern live oak tree branches (iStock image).
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