Owensboro has received an $84,303 federal grant to strengthen the city’s urban tree canopy, targeting underserved neighborhoods through a 2-year effort led by the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments.
The grant is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
Amanda Rogers, director of Owensboro Parks and Recreation, said the initiative will focus on environmental health and equity.
“Urban tree canopies are really important in communities,” Rogers said. “They help reduce heat, improve air quality, intercept stormwater runoff, and just create more aesthetically pleasing spaces. They’re also a good measure of the health and sustainability of our urban environment.”
The City will focus its efforts on 10 locations that fall within census tracts identified as having lower median household incomes. Parks included in the plan are:
- Chautauqua Park (1201 Bluff Ave.)
- Cap Gardner Nature Park (238 E. 20th St.)
- English Park (2 Woodford Ave.)
- Goose Egg Park (1228 W. 3rd St.)
- James Mason Park (1401 W. 7th St.)
- Kendall-Perkins Park (1201 W. 5th St.)
- Legion Park (3407 Legion Park Dr.)
- Moneta Sleet Jr. Park (616 Walnut St.)
- Moreland Park (1215 Hickman Ave.)
- Waymond Morris Park (5200 Todd Bridge Rd.)
The grant outlines four primary objectives:
- Tree inventory and assessment:
The City will hire a certified ISA arborist to conduct a comprehensive tree inventory using PlanIT Geo software and GIS technology. The inventory will identify tree species, conditions, locations, and potential health risks. - Risk mitigation:
Trees posing risks to public safety or property will be prioritized. Mitigation strategies will include pruning, cabling, or removal as necessary. - Strategic tree removal:
Hazardous trees will be removed using an environmentally responsible approach, with options to recycle or repurpose wood materials where feasible. - Tree planting and community engagement:
The city plans to plant at least 150 native and adapted trees across the 10 locations. The public will be invited to participate in planting events, with an emphasis on community education and long-term stewardship.
Adam Wright, grounds manager for Owensboro Public Works, said the city aims to make the most of the investment.
“Every tree we plant comes with maintenance, and our goal is to ensure that these efforts lead to healthy trees that remain for generations,” Wright said.
Rogers said activities will begin this fall and continue through 2026, with a goal of hosting community events each season to build awareness and support.
“We want to make sure every part of our community has access to shade, beauty, and the benefits trees provide,” Rogers said.
