BG Canopy Tree Project grows with $415,000 grant

BG City Arborist Adrien Lowien-Kirian (Photography Credit: Katie Marie Photography)

Bowling Green Arborist Adrien Lowien-Kirian has successfully secured a $415,000 grant to benefit the city’s canopy trees.

The Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act (UCFIRA) Grant awarded for the “Bowling Green Canopy Tree Project: The Preservation and Extension of an Old Growth Urban Forest” will facilitate critical efforts in maintaining, enhancing and promoting the urban tree canopy within the city.

The Bowling Green Canopy Tree Project is a multifaceted initiative designed to preserve and extend the city’s old-growth urban forest. Guided by Lowien-Kirian, the project encompasses several key components:

  • Canopy Tree Maintenance and Pruning: A significant portion of the grant will be allocated to the maintenance and pruning of canopy trees. This essential care ensures the longevity and vitality of the existing tree population, contributing to a healthier and safer urban environment.
  • Risk Mitigation and Invasive Species Removal: The project will also address safety concerns by identifying and removing trees that pose potential hazards. Additionally, efforts will be made to eradicate invasive tree species that threaten the health of the urban forest.
  • Public Education and Outreach: The Bowling Green community is integral to the success of the Canopy Tree Project. A portion of the grant funds will be dedicated to public education and outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to raise awareness of the importance of canopy trees and encourage their preservation within the city.

“This grant empowers us to protect and expand our urban forest, ensuring a greener, safer, and more beautiful future for Bowling Green. We are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility,” Lowien-Kirian said

The grant supports the project’s goals of tree planting and maintenance, restoration and resilience, and planning and community engagement. By addressing the immediate needs of the urban tree canopy, Bowling Green is taking a proactive approach to enhance the quality of life for its residents and strengthen the city’s ecological resilience.

The Bowling Green Canopy Tree Project demonstrates the city’s commitment to preserving its natural assets while promoting sustainability and community engagement. It represents an important milestone in the ongoing effort to create a more vibrant and resilient urban environment.