Arizona Sustainability Alliance, in partnership with American Forests and American Express, planted 45 trees at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in Phoenix, AZ on February 16, 2023. The objectives of this planting were to increase canopy cover at a local park, providing health and recreation benefits for the community.

Phoenix is among the fastest warming cities in the country. AZSA worked closely with the City of Phoenix and leveraged American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool to identify areas of the city with low tree canopy and high heat and socioeconomic vulnerability. Formerly a dump site, the park currently has a Tree Equity Score of 56 and was selected as a planting site of high impact to the community.

The 25 Desert Willow and 20 Blue Palo Verde trees were planted by thirty Phoenix-based American Express volunteers along a multipurpose recreation path. By adding these 45 trees, the project will enhance the park’s shade canopy, mitigating the metropolitan heat island effects and offering thermal refuge for future generations of community members to enjoy walks and bike rides through the park in comfort.

Check out a snapshot of the project: Impact Report Summary

Every tree planting project demonstrates impacts that create a more just and sustainable future.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs are a global call for action. These goals have the power to build a better future for everyone. Investment in this impact project drives action towards the following goals.

Trees planted along the park’s walking paths will improve air quality, absorb toxins, shade and beautify walking paths, and encourage residents to spend more time outdoors.

Urban tree cover can increase groundwater recharge, promote the infiltration of water in soils, and decrease stormwater runoff. Both Desert Willow and Blue Palo Verde are native to the area and have a root system that can naturally de-compact and improve local soil quality and health.

The planting volunteer event provided an opportunity for Tiger Mountain Foundation, a grassroots workforce development program, to  gain support for their work.

The Rio Salado is a restored dumpsite in a heavily industrialized area. The project enhances a public greenspace in a low-income community.

Trees planted will filter air pollution and improve soil ecology and water quality.

Trees were purchased from a local nursery to reduce purchasing footprint. Tools were rented from the Phoenix Community Toolbank.

Tree species planted are desert-adapted and drought-tolerant. These 45 project trees will store a projected 29 tons of CO2 if maintained for 25 years.

The project restores riparian and wetland habitat in the Salt River watershed.

This project featured partnerships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including the City of Phoenix, AMEX, American Forests, Audubon Center, and Tiger Mountain Foundation.