Since 2007, Colcom Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting Tree Pittsburgh’s mission to restore and expand the urban tree canopy in Allegheny County. The organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship reflects the vision of Colcom Foundation’s founder, Cordelia Scaife May, who was deeply passionate about conservation and sustainability. Cordelia Scaife May’s foresight in recognizing the importance of preserving natural resources and promoting ecological balance continues to guide the Foundation’s work today, as evidenced by its ongoing support for urban forestry initiatives.

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The longstanding support from Colcom Foundation has been crucial to Tree Pittsburgh’s success. Now, coupled with a significant influx of federal funds, Tree Pittsburgh is poised for even greater impact. A combined $9 million in new funding, $8 million awarded to Tree Pittsburgh from the U.S. Forest Service via the Inflation Reduction Act for the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance, plus $1 million granted to the City of Pittsburgh, creates an unprecedented opportunity when paired with Colcom Foundation’s backing. Together, these resources will enable Tree Pittsburgh to dramatically scale up its efforts. The organization can now embark on ambitious plans to plant and maintain thousands more trees, expand workforce development and education in green industries, and concentrate its work in communities most affected by pollution and economic hardship.

For years, Tree Pittsburgh has been battling the steady decline of the urban tree canopy in Allegheny County. Recent data shows that the county loses approximately two percent of its canopy every five years.

The Inflation Reduction Act funding will be used to reverse these losses by planting new trees, maintaining existing ones, and supporting projects in the communities that need it most. The funds are particularly targeted at neighborhoods identified for Environmental Justice, which are disproportionately affected by pollution, heat islands, and environmental degradation.

The new federal grant magnifies the effect of Colcom Foundation’s sustained support, enabling Tree Pittsburgh to tackle projects previously beyond its scope. For instance, the organization can go beyond simply expanding tree planting and maintenance efforts into broadening educational initiatives and generating new urban forestry career paths.

These programs will help Tree Pittsburgh cultivate a skilled green industry workforce while offering valuable training and jobs to community members. Initiatives like “One Tree Per Child” and the STEAM Outside Camp blend education with practical tree care, which will introduce young people to green spaces and involve them in climate action. The increased funding will bolster these educational efforts, allowing Tree Pittsburgh to engage more students and enhance its educational impact. The STEAM Outside Camp, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics with outdoor learning, will broaden its focus to encompass more aspects of urban forestry, sustainability, and climate science, nurturing future environmental leaders.

Additionally, the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance’s goal of achieving “no net loss” in tree coverage will receive a substantial boost. The organization aims to increase canopy cover equitably, focusing on areas with sparse tree density. With the additional resources, the Alliance can intensify efforts in locations where tree loss has been most severe, leading to noticeable improvements in air quality, reduction of urban heat islands, and better management of local flooding issues.

The ongoing partnership between Colcom Foundation and Tree Pittsburgh has been instrumental in positioning the organization as a central figure in the region’s urban forestry landscape. Over the past decade, Colcom Foundation’s steady operational support has allowed Tree Pittsburgh to grow its Heritage Nursery, which produces thousands of native trees and shrubs annually for planting throughout the county.

Now, Tree Pittsburgh’s vision of a vibrant urban forest where everyone benefits from the social, environmental, and economic advantages of trees is now within reach. With operational support from Colcom Foundation complemented by the transformative federal grant, the organization now has a unique opportunity to reshape the urban landscape, restore ecological balance, and lay the groundwork for a greener, healthier, and more resilient Pittsburgh.

The ambitious undertaking not only advances Tree Pittsburgh’s immediate goals but also honors Cordelia Scaife May’s legacy. Her visionary commitment to conservation and sustainability, which formed the cornerstone of Colcom Foundation’s mission, is now being realized on a grand scale through the transformation of Pittsburgh’s urban forest.

As the city’s canopy flourishes, it bears witness to May’s belief in the power of nature to enhance environmental and human well-being and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Learn more about Colcom Foundation here: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/colcom-foundation