Deforestation Rotation: Greensboro’s Bold Reforestation Plan Roots Equity Into the Environment By: Chyna Black, N.C A&T

THE WHAT

Greensboro is taking action to restore its green spaces—and its sense of environmental justice. With $825,000 in federal funding, the “Keeping the Green in Greensboro” initiative is bringing trees back to neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years. “This is about more than trees,” said Dr. Shree Dorestant, Greensboro’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “It’s about righting environmental wrongs and making sure all communities have the shade and clean air they deserve.”

WHY THIS MATTERS?

Once celebrated as a Tree City USA for over three decades, Greensboro now faces a shrinking tree canopy, especially in low-income areas. Aging trees, storm damage, and rapid development have left some neighborhoods exposed to heat and poor air. “It’s like an oven in the summer,” said Glenwood resident Sandra Moore. “There’s no shade, and I feel the heat bouncing off the sidewalk into my house.” Without a citywide tree survey since 2009, many communities like Glenwood and Eastside have been left behind in reforestation planning—until now.

The City’s Office Of Sustainability & Resilience (March 2025)

EVIDENCE THAT IT’S WORKING

The city’s efforts are gaining national support. The USDA awarded Greensboro $825,000 through its Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. A tree equity mapping tool is currently being developed to guide tree planting toward the most heat-vulnerable, underserved areas. Local nonprofit Greensboro Beautiful has already planted over 4,000 trees through its NeighborWoods program. “When you give people a shovel and a mission, it brings neighbors together,” said Catherine Johnson, a coordinator with Greensboro Beautiful. College students are also stepping up. “Planting a tree might seem small,” said Jordan Elias, an N.C. A&T student volunteer, “but when you do it with your neighbors, it feels like you’re part of something bigger.”

From top to bottom, A&T, EPA PARTNERSHIP GROWS AT ENVIRONMENTAL SYMPOSIUM, THE CITY'S OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE, BENNET COLLEGE STUDENTS REVIVE CAMPUS CANOPY

INSIGHT: WHAT CAN OTHER CITIES LEARN?

Greensboro’s approach is rooted in partnerships and data. “We looked at canopy loss, heat maps, and income levels,” said Dr. Dorestant. “That’s how we decide where to plant first.” The project combines government support with grassroots involvement—a model gaining traction nationwide. Cities like Detroit and Atlanta are using similar equity-based tree planting strategies, aided by groups like American Forests. “A tree in a wealthy neighborhood is nice,” said Johnson, “but a tree in a poor neighborhood can save lives.” Other cities looking to bridge environmental gaps can learn from Greensboro’s insistence that green space is a right, not a luxury.

WHERE IT FALLS SHORT

Still, progress takes time. The plan will unfold over five years, meaning some neighborhoods may not see results immediately. “People want change now,” said Moore. “They want to see trees today, not five years from now.” Maintenance is another challenge—young trees need years of care to thrive, and the city must train and fund teams to keep them alive. Awareness is also uneven. “I didn’t even know about this program until a volunteer came to my door,” Moore added. While the vision is strong, Greensboro’s success will depend on long-term investment, public outreach, and continued community trust.

Chyna Black is a sophomore multimedia journalism student from Greensboro, N.C.