City of Richmond launches ‘Cool the City’ initiative to boost urban tree canopy

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The City of Richmond and several local community organizations have collaborated to launch the "Cool the City" initiative for Earth Day.

The "Cool the City" initiative will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at the Broad Rock Sports Complex.

According to the City of Richmond, the Earth Day celebration will highlight the start of a citywide initiative to support greening projects, workforce development and sustainability of the community.

The city said the project's goals involve expanding Richmond's urban tree canopy, boosting access to green space and elevating health outcomes.

In the next five years, the program expects to:

• Plant and care for thousands of new trees across the city
• Connect over 1,000 youth and adults with training in green careers and opportunities for community involvement
• Partner with 25 faith-based organizations to implement environmental projects
• Train and certify 150 professionals in urban agriculture practices
• Clear invasive plant species from multiple acres of urban land

The project is funded by a 5-year grant of $6 million from the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program.

To learn more about the "Cool the City" initiative, click here.