CNX Foundation Grants $24,000 to Tree Pittsburgh for Trees Across the Mon Valley
Funding from CNX Foundation will make a tangible, impactful and local difference by providing 400 trees to Mon Valley homeowners this spring
April 28, 2023
“Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven’t done a thing. You are just talking.” - Wangari Maathai
CNX Foundation has granted $24,000 to Tree Pittsburgh, which will support the distribution of 400 trees to residents across the Mon Valley. The trees will help offset tree canopy loss that has occurred over the last several decades and assist in improving the region’s air quality.
“Planting a tree is something concrete a person can do that can have a profound impact on the beauty and value of their property. It’s also an action people can take that helps combat the climate crisis,” said Maura O’Neill, director of development and communications at Tree Pittsburgh.
Since 2019, Tree Pittsburgh has distributed more than 18,000 trees to residents throughout Allegheny County. In addition to improving air quality, increasing biodiversity and reducing climate change, it is anticipated these trees will intercept over 17.2 million gallons of rainfall, eliminating over 34 million gallons of run-off into waterways. Because urbanization significantly alters stream flows and water quality, it can lead to potential flooding issues and decreased water quality that affects human health and well-being. Urban trees can potentially be used to meet clean water regulations.
“Across the organization, CNX is committed to reducing emissions and improving air and water quality,” said Carrie Crumpton, Vice President of Environmental Strategy with CNX Resources. “We recognize clean water is a vital resource in our local communities, and consider supporting research, prevention and clean water policy - as well as ensuring its equal access for everyone - a key pillar of the Foundation, as well as part of our Appalachia First vision.”
According to O’Neill, the support from CNX Foundation will enable Tree Pittsburgh to implement several tree adoption events across the Mon Valley. In addition to tree distribution, Tree Pittsburgh and its partners will provide education on tree planting, maintenance best practices and the general benefits derived from trees.
Tree Pittsburgh’s vision is to create a healthy urban forest for everyone by inspiring and engaging people to maintain, plant and protect trees. Members of Tree Pittsburgh believe all people have the right to benefit from the many health, environmental and social benefits that trees provide.
This funding is a first step in what will be an ongoing partnership between CNX Foundation and Tree Pittsburgh.
About CNX Foundation
The CNX foundation is a registered 501c(3) philanthropic organization that invests tangibly, impactfully, and locally, targeting urban and rural communities within the Appalachian Basin facing socio-economic challenges. With a commitment of $30 million over six years and a focus on underserved populations, the CNX Foundation seeks to set a new standard for how corporations engage with their communities. Additional information, including funding criteria and grant application details can be found at www.cnx.com/foundation.
About Tree Pittsburgh
Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing community vitality by restoring and protecting the urban forest through tree planting and care, education, advocacy, and land conservation. Tree Pittsburgh is a registered 501c(3).