Central State University awarded $1.2M grant to enhance urban forestry in Ohio

Central State University proudly announces it has been awarded a $1.2 million urban forestry grant through the 1890 Foundation to increase urban canopy coverage across Ohio. The grant, funded by a stewardship agreement from the U.S. Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to position CSU as a statewide leader in urban forestry.

Urban areas with inadequate tree cover often experience poor air quality, lack of shade and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Improving the urban canopy in these areas is essential for reducing stress, enhancing physical and mental well-being, and decreasing crime rates.

What is urban tree canopy?

Urban tree canopy (UTC) is the layer of leaves, branches and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above. In urban areas, the UTC provides an important stormwater management function by intercepting rainfall that would otherwise run off paved surfaces and be transported into local waters though the storm drainage system, picking up various pollutants along the way. 

UTC also reduces the urban heat island effect, reduces heating/cooling costs, lowers air temperatures, reduces air pollution, increases property values, provides wildlife habitat, and provides aesthetic and community benefits, such as improved quality of life.

Project goals
 

1. Educational programming and workforce development: Provide urban forestry-related education and training in underserved, under-canopied urban neighborhoods throughout Ohio.
2. Community reforestation projects: Enable community partners to engage in reforestation projects, improving their areas with increased shade, environmental resources and food production.
3. Research and citizen science: Incorporate research on environmental benefits and the impacts of agrichemicals in urban forestry, including citizen science initiatives.

The project is led by Central State University research associate professor of Horticulture Dr. Marcus Nagle, supported by research associate professor of Soil Science and Agronomy Dr. Sakthi Kumaran, research associate professor of Entomology Hongmei Li-Byarlay, and regional Agriculture and Natural Resource educators Marc Amante (southwest Ohio) and Denise Natoli Brooks (southeast Ohio). Through the grant, CSU Extension will employ an urban forestry extension educator to collaborate with community groups of all sizes, focusing on underserved communities. This initiative aims to empower limited-resource community members, enhancing their urban forestry skills and enabling them to actively improve their neighborhoods with the addition of trees.

“Central State’s focus on forestry is set to grow in the near future,” Nagel said. “Activities through this grant provide a foundation to achieve a state-wide reach and will benefit areas most in need of green spaces. Special attention will be given to tree species that provide food and support pollinators. Besides benefitting communities and increasing social justice, the project will be innovative through the methods used to assess environmental benefits as well as components included to promote workforce development and participant engagement.”