Tempe Tackles Heat Crisis with Tree Stewards Program to Expand Shade Canopy

TEMPE — In a proactive move to combat rising temperatures, Tempe has launched a Community Tree Stewards Program to expand the city’s shade canopy and promote sustainable urban forestry practices.

The program’s inaugural cohort is already at work, educating residents about the importance of shade canopies in mitigating extreme heat, particularly in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods such as Alegre, Victory Acres, University Heights, and Escalante.

Cooling Down the Urban Heat Island

Research from Arizona State University highlights the transformative impact of urban forestry, with shade canopies reducing urban temperatures by as much as 10 degrees. Tempe’s initiative seeks to capitalize on this strategy, targeting 25% tree coverage by 2040 — a significant jump from the current 14.4%.

“Trees and our shade canopy play a crucial role in Tempe’s ecosystem,” said Eric Iwersen, Tempe’s transportation and sustainability director. “By empowering individuals through this program, we can make a significant impact on our environment and community resilience.”

How the Program Works

Tree stewards serve as neighborhood experts on planting, maintaining, and promoting urban forestry. Volunteers commit to three hours per week, balancing classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork, including:

• Educating neighbors on tree care and planting techniques.
• Conducting a community tree inventory.
• Identifying optimal planting locations.
• Organizing and leading tree planting events.

Expanding Community Engagement

Two cohorts will serve in 2025:

• Spring Cohort: Open to residents of Baseline-Hardy and Guardalupe neighborhoods.
• Fall Cohort: Includes Alegre, Escalante, University Heights, Victory Acres, and Apache-Price neighborhoods.

Participants can sign up online to join the movement, which program member Catlin Covarrubias called a grassroots effort to foster environmental stewardship.

“I think it’s amazing that the city is teaching us these practices,” Covarrubias said. “It’s great to see a community-driven initiative that brings trees and shade into our neighborhoods.”

A Vision for the Future

With a goal to create a greener, cooler city, Tempe is setting the stage for long-term sustainability and resilience. Interested residents can learn more and sign up to join future cohorts by visiting the city’s website.

As temperatures continue to rise, this program represents a vital step in protecting Tempe’s residents and enhancing the city’s livability for generations to come.