Connecting Canopies is a multi-year video series from The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut that highlights communities using urban forestry to create healthier, cooler and more resilient neighborhoods. Through the stories of local leaders, volunteers, residents and organizations, the series explores how trees support public health, climate resilience, community connection, food systems and environmental equity across Connecticut.
Catch up on all the episodes of Connecting Canopies: Celebrating Urban Forestry in Connecticut below, on Connecticut’s Urban Forest Network website and on YouTube.
More episodes to come!
Learn more about our efforts to spread urban canopy and support community health and resilience. Meet the community leaders driving local initiatives and impact in their neighborhoods.
Watch and Subscribe HereWhy Urban Forestry Matters in Connecticut
Some of the reasons include:
- Tree canopy benefits
- Heat mitigation
- Stormwater management
- Community health
- Neighborhood beautification
- Environmental equity
Featured Stories
New London Trees
Growing New London’s Urban Forest
New London Trees has built a grassroots movement dedicated to expanding the city’s urban forest through community planting, education, advocacy and partnerships. This vignette follows the people working to grow and care for New London’s tree canopy, from conducting tree inventories and engaging residents to planting trees throughout the community.
Featuring: Maggie Redfern, president, New London Trees; Paloma Doyle, inventory liaison, New London Trees; community volunteers and partners.
Transcript: Available here
Topics: Urban forestry, tree canopy, community engagement, tree inventories, volunteer stewardship
NEST Waterbury
Growing Stronger Neighborhoods
In Waterbury’s Crownbrook neighborhood, NEST views urban greening as an essential part of creating healthy places to live. Alongside its affordable housing work, NEST has led efforts to expand tree canopy, establish the Love & Care Community Garden and engage residents and youth in creating greener, more welcoming neighborhoods. This vignette explores the connection between housing, community development and urban forestry.
Featuring: Mya Gray, community building & empowerment manager, NEST; Josephine Hintz, agriculture teacher, Wilby High School; agricultural students, community volunteers and partners.
Transcript: Available here
Topics: Affordable housing, urban forestry, community gardens, youth engagement, neighborhood revitalization
Explore all episodes and behind-the-scenes content
Visit the Connecticut Urban Forest NetworkDive deeper into Connecting Canopies with episode content, community stories, project updates and urban forestry resources from across Connecticut.
Support Efforts Like These
The projects highlighted in the docuseries—and many others—are made possible thanks to supporters’ generosity.
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