Community Forestry
Trees, Education, & Environmental Equity
DCH’s Community Forestry program strives to connect people with the natural world through stewardship, education, and planting of trees. Our goal is to be an accessible arboricultural resource to all in Delaware and to work to put trees in the ground where they are needed most.
We collaborate with governmental agencies including the City of Wilmington, DNREC (Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control), County Parks, and the Delaware State Forest Service to identify and facilitate tree projects for areas most in need of reforestation. Whether it is urban street trees or ecological restoration sites, we are proud to be a key partner in connecting these larger initiatives with local companies, non-profits, and community groups who are eager to plant and care for trees.
Each year DCH organizes and facilitates the planting of hundreds of trees in Wilmington and surrounding New Castle County parks, schools, and public spaces through the generosity of members, donors, corporate partners, and volunteers. Through cultivating an appreciation for trees and nature, our work levels the imbalance of climate injustice through hands-on tree education and plantings in the areas most affected by canopy loss.
Why plant trees?
- Trees provide shade and decrease urban temperatures in summer.
- They improve air quality and serve as sound buffers.
- Trees have been proven to reduce stress, calm traffic, and beautify communities.
- Trees can reduce cooling costs and increase property values.
- Trees can serve as landmarks in our neighborhoods and milestones in our lives.
- They can be planted to celebrate births, marriages, and graduations.
- They can be planted to honor lost loved ones and realized dreams.
Stewarding Trees Together
Become a tree stewarding partner. Companies interested in tree planting and tree care projects can contact our Community Forestry Manager to plan a planting or stewardship event.
Individuals can become a Tree Steward by building a Tree Alliance in their community. DCH can help stewards survey community trees and develop a Tree Canopy Sustainability Plan.
