The Importance of Trees in Human Settings
At Trees for the Triangle, our mission is to improve the social and ecological resilience of the Triangle area through the planting of native trees. We believe that trees are vital to the well-being of our communities and the environment. Trees are not just aesthetic additions to our landscapes; they are powerful agents of positive change that can directly improve the lives of everyone in North Carolina.
Why We Plant Native Trees
The phrase “through the planting of native trees” in our mission is deeply intentional. We recognize that the Triangle area is experiencing rapid growth, and with that growth comes the challenge of maintaining our region’s natural beauty and ecological balance. By planting native trees, we aim to heal the wounds in our landscape caused by development and create a healthier, more resilient environment for all.
By focusing on native trees, Trees for the Triangle ensures that our planting efforts not only beautify our communities but also contribute to the health, resilience, and sustainability of North Carolina’s natural environment. Our commitment to planting native species is a reflection of our deep respect for the intricate relationships that sustain life in our region. We believe that by restoring native trees to our landscapes, we can address the ecological disruptions caused by rapid development and help build a more resilient and connected community for all.
Social Resilience in Our Mission:
Our mission is to improve the ecological and social resilience of the Triangle area through the planting of native trees. At Trees for the Triangle, we are rooted in our local community through inclusion, partnerships and stakeholder engagement. As part of our mission, we improve social resilience by incorporating intellectual, social, cultural, and geographic inclusion benefits and impacts into our programs and projects. Our model is centered around inclusive engagement of the communities we serve and across our curriculum, volunteers, staff, and leadership.
Trees & Equity:
Tree equity and environmental justice are crucial issues in North Carolina, where disparities in tree canopy coverage often reflect broader inequities in access to green spaces and environmental benefits. At Trees for the Triangle, our responsibility for tree equity involves ensuring that all communities, regardless of abilities, socioeconomic status, or race, have equal access to the environmental and health benefits provided by trees.
Research underscores that marginalized communities, including low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, disproportionately experience higher temperatures and poorer air quality due to lower tree canopy coverage (Source: NCCARE360, 2020).
Specifically, our programs and projects focus on reducing heat islands in neighborhoods and provide equitable access to green spaces for all. Achieving tree equity is essential for promoting environmental justice in the Triangle. Through our mission of improving the ecological and social resilience through the planting of native trees, we ensure that all individuals and organizations have access and are included.
Our following actions are examples of how we implement our values:
Trees for the Triangle is aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's January 27, 2021 definition of "environmental justice meaning the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in…decision-making and other….activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:
At Trees for the Triangle, our mission is to improve the social and ecological resilience of the Triangle area through the planting of native trees. We believe that trees are vital to the well-being of our communities and the environment. Trees are not just aesthetic additions to our landscapes; they are powerful agents of positive change that can directly improve the lives of everyone in North Carolina.
- Environmental Impact: Trees act as the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, cooling urban areas through shade, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
- Public Health: Trees improve air quality by filtering pollutants and particulates from the air, contributing to healthier communities. Their presence has been linked to reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improved mental health.
- Biodiversity: Trees support local wildlife by providing habitats and food sources for a wide range of species. This biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Social and Economic Benefits: Trees enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods, increase property values, and foster community pride. They also reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling in the summer and windbreaks in the winter.
- Water Management: Trees play a critical role in managing stormwater, reducing runoff, and preventing soil erosion. Their root systems help stabilize the soil and reduce the risk of floods.
Why We Plant Native Trees
The phrase “through the planting of native trees” in our mission is deeply intentional. We recognize that the Triangle area is experiencing rapid growth, and with that growth comes the challenge of maintaining our region’s natural beauty and ecological balance. By planting native trees, we aim to heal the wounds in our landscape caused by development and create a healthier, more resilient environment for all.
- Ecosystem Compatibility: Native trees are integral to maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. They provide the exact type of food and shelter that local wildlife depends on, supporting species that ornamental or foreign trees cannot.
- Adaptation to Local Conditions: Native trees are uniquely adapted to North Carolina’s specific climate, including its temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and soil types. This means they are more resilient, require less maintenance, and have a higher survival rate compared to non-native species.
- Preserving Biodiversity: By planting native trees, we help preserve the rich biodiversity of North Carolina. These trees support native insects, birds, and other wildlife, ensuring that our natural heritage is passed down to future generations.
- Resistance to Pests and Diseases: Native trees are more resistant to local pests and diseases than non-native species, which often lack natural predators or defenses in our environment. This reduces the need for chemical interventions, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
- Preventing Invasive Species: Planting native trees helps prevent the spread of invasive species, which can outcompete and displace native vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem degradation.
By focusing on native trees, Trees for the Triangle ensures that our planting efforts not only beautify our communities but also contribute to the health, resilience, and sustainability of North Carolina’s natural environment. Our commitment to planting native species is a reflection of our deep respect for the intricate relationships that sustain life in our region. We believe that by restoring native trees to our landscapes, we can address the ecological disruptions caused by rapid development and help build a more resilient and connected community for all.
Social Resilience in Our Mission:
Our mission is to improve the ecological and social resilience of the Triangle area through the planting of native trees. At Trees for the Triangle, we are rooted in our local community through inclusion, partnerships and stakeholder engagement. As part of our mission, we improve social resilience by incorporating intellectual, social, cultural, and geographic inclusion benefits and impacts into our programs and projects. Our model is centered around inclusive engagement of the communities we serve and across our curriculum, volunteers, staff, and leadership.
Trees & Equity:
Tree equity and environmental justice are crucial issues in North Carolina, where disparities in tree canopy coverage often reflect broader inequities in access to green spaces and environmental benefits. At Trees for the Triangle, our responsibility for tree equity involves ensuring that all communities, regardless of abilities, socioeconomic status, or race, have equal access to the environmental and health benefits provided by trees.
Research underscores that marginalized communities, including low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, disproportionately experience higher temperatures and poorer air quality due to lower tree canopy coverage (Source: NCCARE360, 2020).
Specifically, our programs and projects focus on reducing heat islands in neighborhoods and provide equitable access to green spaces for all. Achieving tree equity is essential for promoting environmental justice in the Triangle. Through our mission of improving the ecological and social resilience through the planting of native trees, we ensure that all individuals and organizations have access and are included.
Our following actions are examples of how we implement our values:
- Inclusive and a variety of volunteer opportunities are offered for all ages, abilities, and demographics performing various roles during tree builds, tree assessments, and education events.
- Residential tree planting service is offered as a pay-what-you-can for all residents in the Triangle.
- Based on volunteer and stakeholder feedback, all trees planted are exclusively native species to North Carolina and are purchased from suppliers in the Triangle where possible.
- 33% of our board of directors identify as male and 67% identify as female
- 44% of our board of directors identify as racial minorities
Trees for the Triangle is aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's January 27, 2021 definition of "environmental justice meaning the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in…decision-making and other….activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:
- are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and
- have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.”