Get Involved!
For this program, either your Congregation can become involved, or you can individually volunteer as a Tree Planter.
Orlando-Titusville, FL
About the Orlando-Titusville Tree Planting Project
We want all communities to have access to the health, environmental, and spiritual benefits that trees provide. In Central Florida, some neighborhoods face heat islands, poor air quality, and limited green space due to lower tree canopy coverage. The Branches of Faith project is planting trees to reduce urban heat and strengthen protection from pollution as an expression of Biblical faith.
We’re building a coalition of congregations and community partners dedicated to increasing tree canopy, reducing urban heat, and centering the voices of frontline communities.
Through participatory planning workshops, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term tree equity efforts that address lack of connection with nature, as well as climate and environmental justice in communities that need it most.
What we are Building Together
Educational Resources: Faith-based materials grounding tree equity in Scripture, theology, and spiritual practice—available in both English and Spanish.
Ongoing Support: Regular hub coalition meetings, access to technical experts, connections with city partners, and continued resources to sustain this work beyond the grant period.
Participatory Planning Workshops: Community-driven workshops where local knowledge meets technical expertise to identify tree planting priorities and develop strategies that reflect Central Florida’s unique needs.
Tree Equity Action Plans: Collaborative plans created by hub members that outline where, how, and when tree planting will happen, ensuring an equitable distribution of benefits across participating communities.
Tree Planting Implementation: Funding for approved projects, plus technical support to ensure successful planting and long-term tree health.
Eligible Communities
We are prioritizing outreach and engagement with congregations located in communities identified as disadvantaged by the EPA’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. These are neighborhoods that experience disproportionate environmental burdens, including limited tree canopy, higher heat exposure, and reduced access to green spaces. See if your congregation is in an eligible area.
If your church does not show as eligible in the disadvantaged community map, but it is still interested in participating, you can contact the local site coordinator to discuss options for participation.
Explore Baltimore Churches and Heat Disparity
This map allows you to see the distribution of Baltimore church sites in relation to the levels of heat disparity across the city, showing which churches and their neighborhoods would most benefit from involvement in our urban tree planting.
Timeline
Current Status: We are in Phase 1, actively recruiting congregations and building partnerships.
Phase #1
Coalition Building
(Spring 2026 – Winter 2026)
Building the Orlando-Titusville Tree Equity Hub Coalition, developing educational resources and workshop curricula, recruiting congregations, and establishing partnerships.
Phase #2
Participatory Planning
(Spring & Summer 2027)
Hosting participatory planning workshops and meetings where congregations and community members work together to identify priorities and create the Nashville Tree Equity Action Plan.
Phase #3
Implementation
(Fall 2027 – March 2028)
Putting plans into action—planting trees, integrating tree equity education into congregational life, and establishing sustainable tree maintenance programs.
Congregations
What You’ll Receive:
- Faith-based educational and worship resources on tree equity and the spiritual significance of trees
- Technical support for site planning and tree care
- Opportunity to help shape the Orlando-Titusville Hub Tree Equity Action Plan
- Access to implementation funding
- Ongoing connection with other congregations and partners committed to this work
What’s Expected:
- Participation in participatory planning workshops (2 workshops in 2027)
- Regular attendance at Tree Equity Hub coalition meetings (4-6 per year)
- Commitment to implementing tree equity projects identified through the planning process
- Integration of tree equity principles into congregational teaching and mission
Tree-Planting Volunteers
Opportunities to participate in tree planting events, workshop support, and community engagement will be posted as they become available.
Additional Resources
- Tree Equity Score Map
- Theological Resources (Coming soon!)
- Liturgical Resources (Coming soon!)
Contact
Questions? Contact [email protected] for questions about our Orlando-Titusville tree planting project.
Partners
