Rooted in resilience: How Bloomberg and NYRP are reimagining NYC’s urban forest

In Highbridge Park this Earth Month, a group of Bloomberg volunteers worked alongside the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) to plant more than 100 native trees and shrubs, supporting the organization’s mission to expand access to green space across New York City.

While the day centered on hands-on service, the broader goal is to help New York City neighborhoods stay cooler and healthier. Trees are a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, helping reduce extreme heat and improve air quality. In areas with limited tree cover, the urban heat island effect can make neighborhoods significantly warmer than others.  

A partnership focused on equity and impact

The collaboration between Bloomberg and NYRP has evolved over nearly two decades. What began with the MillionTreesNYC initiative, launched under Mayor Mike Bloomberg in 2007 as part of PlaNYC, has shifted toward a more targeted approach focused on canopy equity, prioritizing neighborhoods with less access to green space and greater exposure to extreme heat. 

“Tree canopy is essential infrastructure for New York City,” said Lynn Bodnar Kelly, NYRP’s Executive Director. “By working with committed partners like Bloomberg and engaging directly with local communities to reach the city’s goal of 30 percent canopy cover, we are helping neighborhoods become more resilient, block by block.” 

One of the most unique aspects of this partnership is that it extends beyond public parks. Growing the urban forest requires participation from residents. To meet this need, NYRP, with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, has distributed more than 78,500 free trees to New Yorkers as of 2025. In 2026, NYRP is distributing 3,750 trees across all five boroughs from April 4 through May 16, empowering residents to plant trees in their own yards and community gardens. Learn more about NYRP’s annual tree giveaway here.  

Building a more resilient urban ecosystem

The trees planted in Highbridge Park also support the city’s broader ecosystem. Native species help absorb stormwater, reducing runoff into sewer systems and waterways like the Harlem River, while also providing habitat for local wildlife and pollinators. 

This work builds on a long-standing commitment. Since reaching the milestone of planting one million trees in 2015, Bloomberg and NYRP have continued to expand tree canopy across the city, with a focus on long-term impact. 

By combining volunteer action with community participation and partner expertise, this effort continues to strengthen New York City’s green infrastructure and support more resilient neighborhoods.

Across Bloomberg’s global offices, this work reflects a broader commitment to expanding and caring for urban green spaces. Employees partner with organizations such as Trees for Cities, Friends of the Urban Forest, Instituto Limpa Brasil, Nature Society Singapore, among many others to support tree planting, park stewardship, and support green spaces that communities rely on every day.  

Learn more about how Bloomberg supports local communities around the world through people, purpose, and partnerships.