TNC teams up with the NFL for nature through sports and community
The Nature Conservancy has joined forces with the NFL for the 2025 Kickoff to expand urban tree canopy where it's needed most.
Across the United States, cities are experiencing rising temperatures and extreme heat due to a perpetually warming climate. By August 2025, Philadelphia recorded more than 30 days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit—a rise from an average of 18 90-degree days in 2000 and 14 90-degree days in 1975. For residents, this is becoming a new norm, but it’s felt most deeply in areas of the city with fewer trees and green space.
Trees help us beat the heat
In areas with more concrete, asphalt, tightly packed buildings and fewer trees, temperatures can be 10-20 degrees hotter than in neighborhoods with robust tree canopies.
Tree-dense areas stay cooler throughout the day by providing shade, cooling the air and reducing energy use associated with air conditioning.
NFL x The Nature Conservancy: Green is cool
Mapping Philly's Heat
In 2023, TNC analyzed urban heat islands across the city, underscoring the need for more trees in South Philadelphia, where asphalt, concrete and densely-packed buildings all trap heat, making hot days feel even hotter. Explore the map and interactive storymap.
Ahead of the 2025 NFL season kickoff, TNC, NFL Green, community partners and volunteers teamed up to lead a special community greening project in a neighborhood identified by TNC and the city's Philly Tree Plan as needing increased tree canopy. With additional support from Super Bowl LIX champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, the School District of Philadelphia, Power Corps PHL and Verizon, 15 native trees were planted at the South Philadelphia Super Site—a sports complex serving young athletes and the surrounding community.
Quote: Christina Hovestadt
Teaming up with The Nature Conservancy for NFL Kickoff was a meaningful way to bring our sustainability efforts to life. Planting trees in the communities where we play reflects the League's commitment to environmental stewardship and leaving a positive impact that lasts well beyond game day.
2025 NFL Green Community Event: Philadelphia Eagles Legend and Super Bowl LII champion Vinny Curry brings excitement to the event, leading volunteers and students in an Eagles chant. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Swoop brings the energy: Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop with TNC's Kelsey Cannon, Associate Director of Philanthropy in Pennsylvania & Deleware. © Melisa Soysal/TNC
2025 Kickoff - NFL Green Community Event: Lori Brennan, Executive Director of TNC Pennsylvania & Delaware, comments on this tree-planting initiative and why combating the urban heat island effect matters. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Kicking off the Philly event : Tree-planting partners, volunteers and students participating in NFL's PLAY 60 activities, join Swoop, Eagles Legend Vinny Curry, and Eagles cheerleaders for a lively chant. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
On the turf: Next to the tree-planting site, School District of Philadelphia students participate in football drills with NFL PLAY 60 coaches. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Planting trees together: Ian Ross from PowerCorps PHL demonstrates the tree-planting process to volunteers at the South Philadelphia Super Site. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Health and Wellness Activities: Students from the School District of Philadelphia participated in NFL PLAY 60 activities during the tree-planting, including CPR training from the American Heart Association. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
More Shade in South Philly: Volunteers from TNC, the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, PowerCorps PHL, School District of Philadelphia and Verizon plant 15 native trees at the corner of 10th & Bigler. © Melisa Soysal/TNC
More Shade for Our Future: Formerly an empty sun-drenched corner of the property, 10th & Bigler is now home to 15 native trees that will bring beauty and shade to the area for years to come. © Melisa Soysal/TNC
A Greener City: A student admires the newly planted trees at the South Philadelphia Super Site. © Melisa Soysal/TNC
When we plant trees, we all win
For students and community members using the site—as well as residents walking along the surrounding sidewalks—these new trees will provide shade and relief from extreme heat during the summer. They also help clean the air, improve physical and mental health, and add natural beauty to the neighborhood.
For wildlife, these trees will provide critical habitat and food for native birds and pollinating insects.
Eyes on the end game: Increasing tree canopy city-wide
Planting trees at the South Philadelphia Super Site supports a larger effort of increasing canopy throughout the city to help build a more resilient urban forest. With support from TNC, the Philly Tree Plan aims to reverse a trend of tree loss and bring canopy coverage to a minimum of 30% in every neighborhood. During a recent assessment in 2018, Philly’s tree cover stood at 20%, ranging from less than 5% coverage in some neighborhoods to more than 45% in others.
“It’s always a privilege to team up with organizations who share our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Norman Vossschulte, Vice President of Fan Experience and Sustainability, Philadelphia Eagles. “Sustainability is a pillar of our organizational DNA, and opportunities like this allow us to make a tangible impact and give back to the community that gives us so much throughout the year.”
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Chasing the Shade: Expanding Philadelphia’s Urban Tree Canopy
With a lack of trees and green spaces, South Philadelphia is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. $12 million from the Inflation Reduction Act aims to equitably expand its urban tree canopy.
Plant a Billion
Our goal is to plant 1 billion trees to help restore our global forests. It’s a big number, but we know we can do it with your help.