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Eco El Paso (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
└ Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
As part of its Million Trees El Paso initiative, Eco El Paso planted 88 native and drought-tolerant trees along the Paso Del Norte Trail. In addition, the organization improved wayfinding along the trail, which passes through the city's Thomas Many neighborhood. The City lent a hand in the effort, removing dead trees and making needed irrigation repairs. El Paso has less tree canopy cover than many other communities, with an average of fewer than three trees per acre. Project organizers hope the new trees help cool the neighborhood and combat the urban heat island effect, making walking more comfortable for residents. The City later cited the success of the project in its efforts to secure bond funding for future tree planting efforts.
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See More Projects Like This One
Hackensack, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: This project will provide dozens of rain barrels, as well as community education to help address future flooding. The rain barrels will be painted to serve as functional public art.
Davenport, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: The town will provide portable generators and carbon monoxide detectors to older adult residents. This will keep residents -- especially those with electronic medical devices -- supplied with power during storms and other disasters.
Oklahoma City, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: An Oklahoma County study showed many residents rely on public water systems that have been cited for health violations. Oklahoma City officials hoped green infrastructure could help resolve water quality issues for downstream communities. So the City converted two flowerbeds in a local park in to rain gardens -- also known as bioswales. During heavy rains, the swales collect stormwater runoff from a nearby parking lot and divert it back into the ground, rather than into the municipal sewer system. This helps remove pollutants before they reach the local watershed. Project organizers say they hope the pilot allows Oklahoma City to become a leader in green infrastructure. They have planned to add more bioswales throughout the community in the future.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project built a covered bus stop at a central location in the town. It also installed a gazebo with benches outside the community center.
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will install solar-powered lighting along a community center's walking trail to improve safety and allow people to gather and walk after dark. The organization will also lay crushed rock to prevent soil erosion.
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