Salt Lake City, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: Poor air quality along Utah's Wasatch Front shortens life expectancy, especially for older adults, and limited tree cover worsens heat islands. To combat this, TreeUtah organized more than 100 planting events statewide, engaging over 3,000 volunteers-including many age 50-plus-to plant thousands of trees. Two events in South Salt Lake added 20 large trees near a local facility for older adulits and included a tree care workshop. These efforts improve air quality, create shaded spaces and foster intergenerational engagement. One participant noted, "There was definitely something for everyone at this event... even my teenager had fun."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: To reduce the urban heat island effect, Friends of the lower Olentangy Watershed planted large canopy trees at an elementary school playground and near a housing complex. The area has traditionally lacked tree cover, with the nearby properties having the least canopy cover of any residential area in the local watershed. The new trees increased the local canopy from 7 percent to 22 percent -- the average for Columbus as a whole. Volunteers -- including local Scouts -- helped plant the trees. In addition, project organizers installed benches at the playground to provide a respite to teachers, children and families using the playground equipment.

Portland, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events

Description: Staff and trained volunteers will help older homeowners care for fruit trees and shrubs. The work includes pruning and harvesting to reduce safety risks and share fresh fruit with the community.