Urban and Community Trees For a Better Tomorrow

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Pictured: Residents plant trees along the Interurban Trail in Everett last fall.

Shade, beauty, fresh air, and clean water are just a few of the benefits trees provide to urban neighborhoods. We can thank trees for filtering pollutants from vehicle emissions in high-traffic areas, slowing stormwater runoff, and mitigating urban heat islands. Trees also create habitat for pollinators and wildlife, enhance neighborhood aesthetics, and provide access to nature which can positively impact residents’ mental health and well-being. Trees contribute so much to our daily lives, yet many urban communities in Snohomish County face a lack of canopy cover. 

To address this need, the Urban & Community Forests Program was launched last year by Snohomish Conservation District in partnership with the City of Everett, City of Marysville, and the Tulalip Tribes. This collaborative program will increase tree cover in these areas by planting 7,000 trees across 13 designated neighborhoods by the end of 2028. These trees will improve air, water, and soil quality and provide countless other benefits for urban residents who need them most.  

In 2024, the Urban & Community Forests Program offered free trees and planting assistance to residents, businesses, and community spaces in eligible neighborhoods. The program also facilitated community tree planting events at Jackson Park, Wiggums Hollow Park, the Interurban Trail, the Ebey Waterfront Trail, and Marysville Middle School. By the end of the year, 332 new trees were installed and began taking root in yards, school properties, and community spaces.

The project is still growing and has a few exciting years ahead. Learn more about the Urban & Community Forests Program and find out if you live or work in one of the neighborhoods eligible to receive free trees. You can also give input on tree locations and sign up to volunteer at an upcoming tree planting event.

We appreciate our partners and community members who are helping improve tree canopy throughout Snohomish County! 

This project was made possible by the support of the United States Forest Service with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more about this funding.