AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Eco El Paso (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Disaster Resilience
└ 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.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Sedona, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Neighborhood wildfire readiness education and property assessments will be delivered. Residents will gain practical tools to understand risk and plan improvements.
Aberdeen, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Emergency shelter equipment will be installed at the fire station to support residents during outages and disasters. A safe location with power, meals and supplies will help people avoid dangerous conditions.
Arecibo, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: An outdoor gathering area will include solar-powered medical storage, raised garden beds, seating and shared digital access tools. The space will support day-to-day connection while improving safety during frequent power outages.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
El Paso, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: A bilingual Digital Health Academy will train adults age 50-plus, including veterans, on telehealth, online safety and health apps. Graduates will receive tablets and ongoing resources to support aging in place.
Las Cruces, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To strengthen community ties and reduce isolation among older adults, Cruces Creatives led a paint-by-numbers mural project in downtown Las Cruces. More than 600 residents, including nearly 200 people age 50-plus, helped transform a highly visible wall into an 1,800-square-foot work of art. The mural gives volunteers lasting pride and has prompted continued engagement with local programs. Integrated research will produce the first peer-reviewed study on participatory public art, shaping similar efforts elsewhere. One participant summed up the experience: "Being a team and working together to improve our city feels fulfilling."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Texas State Office
1905 Aldrich St
Suite 210
Austin, TX 78723
United States