The City of Bowling Green has announced that City Arborist Adrien Lowien-Kirian has successfully secured the Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act (UCFIRA) Grant for the “Bowling Green Canopy Tree Project: The Preservation and Extension of an Old Growth Urban Forest.”
This grant, totaling $415,000, 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. Under the guidance of 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.
The Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant reflects a collaborative effort to support the project’s core 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.
