As the urbanization of the human population increases, destruction of green spaces in urban areas is increasing at an alarming rate. Urban areas with less tree coverage, are often communities of color and tend to have higher levels of air pollution, which is linked to increased rates respiratory diseases, particularly in children. Latino neighborhoods have up to 21% less tree canopy coverage compared to predominantly White neighborhoods in the same cities. 

Solutions for nature access in urban areas should be a high priority to hit the nexus of biodiversity, climate gains, and societal benefits. In the U.S., the biggest hot spots for nature loss within communities of color are in metropolitan areas, usually Latino and African-American neighborhoods.

“For more than a decade, Hispanic Access has catapulted our trust-based community networks into action by providing access, capacity, and the belief to create beneficial changes in their communities,” said Hispanic Access Foundation President and CEO Maite Arce. "We are thrilled to support Soda Springs, ID to equip underserved communities with not only more trees and plants in their neighborhoods, but also the knowledge and resources to become engaged in urban forestry.” 

The City of Soda Springs, as part of the Bear River Trail System project, will use the USDA IRA Urban and Community Forestry Program grant to enhance urban tree canopy and improve access to green spaces. The project includes the installation of trails along 2nd Bridge Rd and Bailey Creek Rd in disadvantaged areas of the city, with a total of 413 trees planted alongside the trails and 125 trees at the trail ends. The enhanced green spaces are expected to offer rest areas and encourage outdoor recreation for local youth and community members.

“The City of Soda Springs Idaho is thrilled to receive the USDA/Forest Service Grant, and to work with the Hispanic Access Foundation,” shared Soda Springs Mayor, Austin W. Robinson.  “This funding, along with other associated projects will allow the City to grow its trail system 3-fold to more than 12 miles of trails. This will help enhance the aesthetics of the trails making it a more inviting experience for our citizens and community friends.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service awarded more than $1 billion in competitive grants through the Urban and Community Forestry Program. Hispanic Access Foundation and the other awardees will be working towards advancing the mission of Justice40, to deliver 40% of the program’s investments through established and new partnerships working to support disadvantaged communities experiencing low tree canopy and environmental justice issues.