TreesLouisville preserves and expands the Louisville and regional tree canopy through civic engagement, education and public awareness.
A healthy urban tree canopy offers a vast array of benefits to our city, from cooling shade and stormwater management to better mental health and community pride. Trees make our city more livable, healthy, and equitable. That's why, when a 2015 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment found that Louisville's tree canopy was rapidly declining, it was clear that it was time for action.
Although various organizations have been involved in addressing particular aspects of Louisville's tree problem, TreesLouisville is singularly focused on preserving and expanding our community's tree canopy. We support and partner with like-minded organizations by combining energies and resources, facilitating projects and identifying new opportunities. All in an effort to reach our goal: tree canopy coverage of 45% over the next decade.
Back in 2012, Louisville's civic leaders knew the city had a tree problem. In response, the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Commission (LMTAC) was created by Mayor Greg Fischer to research and provide recommendations for improving Louisville's tree canopy. The commission quickly went to work, studying how other cities were addressing their canopy issues and developing a plan of action for Louisville. They found that cities who have been successful in managing their urban forests had a common denominator: each had an active nonprofit organization dedicated to tree canopy improvement.
The LMTAC was phased out in early 2015, and TreesLouisville was founded shortly thereafter to deliver on a vision of making Louisville a healthier, more livable city.
TreesLouisville is recognized as a community leader in achieving a more livable and healthy community for Louisville’s current and future generations through a robust urban tree canopy.
TreesLouisville is a catalyst for conserving and increasing the community tree canopy to achieve and maintain 45% overall canopy coverage.
TreesLouisville has an oak-solid commitment to strengthening and protecting our urban tree canopy. Of course, that commitment starts with planting trees, but also includes a variety of other important programs to ensure our city becomes the best version of itself for future generations to enjoy.