CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jane Myers, executive director of Trees Charlotte, said trees provide mental health and physical benefits.
"They cool our communities. They clean our air. We like breathing. They absorb stormwater runoff. They just are the gifts that keep on giving," Myers said.
The mission of the local non profit organization, Trees Charlotte, is to protect and grow Charlotte's tree canopy. Myers said the plan is to plant and distribute approximately 6500 trees annually.
"Our greatest loss happens on residentially zoned property," Myers said.
The executive director also pointed to the city's tree disparity.
"The lower-wealth areas also have the lower canopy area," Myers said, adding, "That's the greatest need, is to focus on growing our tree equity. And then, because the health benefits are so important to everyone, but certainly in the communities that have less. So that's one of our bigger focuses and we're trying to move the dial in those areas."
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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