Funds will be used to plant trees and native plants
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has received a $100,000 and a $20,000 donation through the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation that will be used to enhance climate resilience in economically disadvantaged and environmental justice designated neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
The $100,000 gift will be used to purchase 1,000 native and climate-resilient trees, which will remove carbon dioxide, reduce pollution, improve air quality, support wildlife, and provide shade.
The trees will be planted in tree equity priority areas, which are often underserved communities disproportionately affected by heat islands, poor air quality, and limited access to green spaces.
A $20,000 gift will be used to purchase native plants, which will diversify the ecosystem, reduce water usage, minimize erosion, attract pollinators and wildlife, improve air quality, and reduce fossil-fuel consumption.
The funds will specifically support the conversion of turf grass to natural areas at Harrison Park. These new natural areas will connect and engage Harrison Park residents and students to nature and provide opportunities for Minneapolis Public School staff and MPRB staff to use the space to lead hands-on nature learning for children and adults.
Both gifts will enhance climate resilience of the tree canopy and green areas in economically disadvantaged and environmental justice designated neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
“We continue to be deeply grateful to the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation for recognizing the need for climate resiliency in some of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Minneapolis,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “These funds will help contribute to the well-being of Minneapolis’ underserved and climate-vulnerable communities.”
Tree and native plantings funded by this gift will take place in 2025.