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<br />Page 7 of 24 <br /> <br />Project Information <br />*Please submit for each project if applying for funding for more than one project. <br /> <br />1. Project Name: Shade for Schools - Orange County <br />2. Please briefly describe <br />the proposed project. <br />(100-300 words) <br />The Trees for the Triangle (TftT) Shade for Schools - Orange County pilot <br />project will plant 20 native, locally-sourced trees at 13 schools in Orange <br />County, totaling 260 trees, and distribute 200 native tree seedlings per school, <br />totaling 2,600 seedlings—exceeding 25% of the County’s annual seedling <br />giveaway goal. This project is centered on tree equity, environmental <br />enhancement, and community resilience, directly aligning with the 2023 <br />Orange County Climate Action Plan and key state and local policies, such as <br />EO246 and HB95. Prioritizing social justice and racial equity, this project <br />pursues both data-driven methods and community engagement to target <br />specific schools, particularly within Orange County Schools (OCS), where <br />higher populations reside in rural, less resourced areas. <br /> <br />The initiative delivers significant co-benefits: The trees create cooler spaces, <br />mitigate urban heat island effects, and reduce building energy costs through <br />increased shade. They also play a critical role in intercepting pollutants, <br />absorbing particulate matter, and sequestering carbon dioxide, the primary <br />greenhouse gas. Additionally, trees manage stormwater runoff, reduce <br />waterway pollutants, create wildlife habitats, and improve mental and physical <br />health - students thrive in environments with more trees! This project is a <br />strategic investment in future generations, ensuring young people benefit <br />from greener, healthier, and more resilient communities. <br /> <br />Our evidence-based approach to addressing climate change integrates nature- <br />based solutions and educational initiatives, promoting both environmental <br />sustainability and community resilience. This pilot program lays the foundation <br />for broader, long-term impacts across Orange County, fostering a legacy of <br />ecological stewardship and community well-being. <br />3. Please choose the best <br />description for the type <br />of project*: <br /> <br />*The Background and <br />Information document <br />provides examples. <br />☐ Clean Energy Infrastructure - New <br />☐ Clean Energy Infrastructure - Repair <br />☐ Clean Energy Infrastructure - Replacement <br />☒ Communication/Education <br />☒ Nature Based Solutions <br />☐ Waste Reduction/Circular Economy <br />☐ Analysis/Plan <br />☒ Other (Please describe): Native tree plantings and seedling giveaways at <br />local schools <br />4. Please choose the <br />primary climate change <br />mitigation focus for this <br />project (select all that <br />apply): <br />☐ Energy Efficiency <br />☐ Renewable Energy <br />☐ Beneficial Electrification <br />☒ Carbon Sequestration <br />☒ Other (Please describe): Climate equity, increased energy efficiency for <br />school facilities, urban heat island mitigation, air quality improvement, <br />stormwater management, soil stabilization, biodiversity conservation, public <br />health improvement, and environmental education <br />Docusign Envelope ID: D22675F9-86C0-429B-8CAD-74E02C6C68FC