News and Stories

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is thrilled to be a partner for Let’s Grow Local. We joined MadTree, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Groundwork, and volunteers from 20 other organizations for the largest tree planting event to ever take place in one day in Cincinnati!

Volunteers joined forces to plant 200+ trees throughout the neighborhood. Let’s Grow Local addresses the disparity in urban canopy coverage across Cincinnati. With 20 out of 52 neighborhoods having less than 40% urban canopy, this initiative focuses on planting trees to enhance community wellness through:

• Improved air quality
• Reduced risk of heat stress
• Decreased flooding

The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to creating a healthier community and environment, and being a part of Let’s Grow Local, is one way we can help do just that.

By adding 200+ trees to neighborhoods like Avondale, we’re helping reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, keep neighborhoods cool, and reduce flooding. Plus trees inspire everyone to get outside, which is great for physical and mental health.

In planting more trees in neighborhoods, we increase the wellness of each neighborhood.

Here’s why:

• Trees remove pollution from the atmosphere, which improves air quality and health.
• Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), reducing the effects of climate change.
• Trees save energy. According to the Arbor Day Foundation: “The average Cincinnati community tree saves the average household $56 annually in cooling costs by reducing electricity use.”
• Trees reduce the urban heat island effect by shading buildings and streets and releasing water vapor into the air. Urban trees can cool a city by up to 10°F.
• Trees provide natural storm water management. A single large canopy deciduous tree can control 400 to 1,000 gallon of stormwater. This benefits homeowners by reducing soil erosion and flooding from rainfall.
• Trees make us feel happier. Living and working in areas that have trees can improve mental health, mood and social connections.

A huge thank you to our horticulture team, Zoo staff and volunteers for taking part in this incredible community event!