Planting trees in your yard or in public areas can have a wide impact on your community. Trees are well known for their ability to reduce air and water pollution, provide habitats to wildlife, and so much more. In addition to the many benefits to both the environment and our health, the presence and planting of trees has been found to bring communities closer together.

First of all, trees make the outdoors more enjoyable. Their presence provides shade on sunny days, beautiful colors in the fall, flowers in the spring, and cover from rain. Trees also reduce water and air pollution, a benefit that we cannot see but can definitely feel in our surrounding atmosphere. Therefore, the more trees in a community, the more willing community members will be to spend time outdoors, whether it be walking, birdwatching, or any other outdoor activity.

Greenspaces often include trees in their layout, and have seen substantial benefits to communities as well. Studies have linked the incorporation of greenspaces, which includes wilderness environments, parks, and reserves, to benefits in mental health. These greenspaces have been linked to an increase in both individual mental health and an increase in social interaction. When the community has public areas to use, they are provided with a space to participate in group sports, to enjoy picnics, to take walks with their dogs, or to go on a casual bike ride. Having outdoor community areas creates a welcoming space for community members to interact with, and often results in increased relationships with fellow community members.

Green spaces provide such an important space for communities, because this is a space where community members can hold different gatherings and events. For example, events such as tree plantings often take place in green spaces, acting as a fun and engaging way to bring the community together while investing in the natural environment surrounding us. At GHEP, we want our Family Tree Adoption Program to bring people together similarly.

Throughout the year, we hold community tree planting demonstration events and other community events. This is a great way to get to know your community, learn more about how we plan to help the community, and spend some time in nature!

To find out more about what we do and stay updated on future events, click this link! https://globalhealthprojects.org/ghep-events/

Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5663018/#abstract1
https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2022/04/parks-green-spaces-improve-health/
https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/social-benefits-green-infrastructure