The GES Tree Care Fellowship addresses a critical gap in urban greening efforts—long-term tree maintenance and community-centered environmental care. While many trees are planted during one-day events, most receive no ongoing care, resulting in high mortality rates and a struggling canopy in neighborhoods already experiencing high heat indexes and environmental inequities.

With support from the inaugural CIF grant, we coordinated communication between organizations, mapped tree locations, and laid the groundwork for strategic, sustained stewardship. This year, we are deepening that impact through the GES Tree Care Fellowship—a structured, collaborative effort to provide:

• Regular watering and mulching

• Nutrient and compost application

• Pruning (under 10 ft)

• Pest and disease management

• Tree map updates and expansion

• Community activation around the Rainbow Bridge with plants, seating and signage.

We will also enhance the Rainbow Bridge crossing area by planting sunflowers and detoxifying native plants, adding water-wise infrastructure, informational signage, and providing a resting bench—transforming it into a sanctuary space for residents, especially elders and those with mobility limitations to rest after crossing the extensive bridge. In addition, the signage will provide information about native, pollinator and detoxifying plants. It’s been noted that a five year old can name 50 name brands but can’t name 5 native plants.