The Greening of Detroit, in partnership with American Forests, Salesforce, Zyrtec, and Bank of America, planted 240 trees at the Kemeny Park and Recreation Center in zip code 48217 of Detroit, MI in 2022. The goal of the project was to reduce health disparities and improve air quality for the community.

The burden of respiratory illness in Detroit is severe and worsening. The current asthma rate among Detroit adults is 46% higher than Michigan as a whole and there is a significant difference between the childhood asthma rate in Detroit compared to the rest of the state (14.6% and 8.4% respectively) – a difference that did not exist in 2016. Residents of Detroit’s zip code 48217 are particularly vulnerable, with the median family income just half the statewide average and over half of children living in poverty.

Kemeny Park and Recreation Center is an important community center located just South of the I-75 freeway adjacent to heavy industry and refinery operations. Corporate and community volunteers participated to plant trees around the neighborhood and recreation center. These trees will filter air pollutants and improve air quality to promote community health and wellbeing.

Every tree planting project demonstrates impacts that create a more just and sustainable future.

More information soon.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs are a global call for action. These goals have the power to build a better future for everyone. Investment in this impact project drives action towards the following goals.

More information soon.