ACAP Saint John has been awarded the TD Green Space Grant from the Arbour Day Foundation.

The organization, along with 21 others across Canada and the United States, will each receive $25,000.

“This grant will support innovative urban greening and tree-planting projects in pursuit of environmental equity,” ACAP Saint John said in a news release.

The organization is working toward protecting the vulnerable populations in the community against more frequent heatwaves that have been occurring.

“With heat waves becoming a worrisome norm, it is paramount to ensure that vulnerable populations are shielded from the adverse impact of the urban heat island effect. Sufficient tree canopy and dedicated green spaces are instrumental to this cause and play a key role in bolstering climate resiliency throughout neighborhoods,” said Peace Omodele, engagement and communications specialist for ACAP Saint John.

ACAP Saint John said they plan to use the grant money to start a new, extensive tree-planting program in the Crescent Valley neighbourhood. This will bring on things such as enhanced air quality, natural cooling, and reinforce community resilience against climate change.

Along with this tree-planting program, ACAP Saint John will also engage with the Crescent Valley community to further educate on the dangers of extreme heat. They will also be proposing ways to reduce excessive exposure to extreme heat and vulnerability to heat related illnesses.

“This grant will be instrumental in driving community-based initiatives, including organizing a neighbourhood tree planting day,” said Omodele.

This tree-planting day will invite people from the Crescent Valley community to work together planting trees, learning, and creating a green space that will add to their own community.

Working to protect not only the vulnerable populations but everyone from heatwaves that have occurring more frequently, ACAP Saint John said it is excited to start this new project.