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C1b. Please <br />describe the <br />proposed project. <br />(300 word limit) <br />Trees for the Triangle (TftT) will expand native tree canopy in Orange <br />County through a Pay-W hat-You-Can (PW YC) residential planting program, <br />targeting neighborhoods with low Tree Equity Scores and heightened <br />climate vulnerability, especially flood-prone areas impacted by Tropical <br />Storm Chantal. The program will plant 200 native trees, distribute 2,000 <br />seedlings, and host four hands-on educational workshops on tree <br />selection, planting, and maintenance. <br />The need is urgent. In summer 2025, Chantal caused $56M in flood <br />damage across Orange County, displacing nearly 200 residents and setting <br />record crests on the Haw and Eno rivers. W ith only 19% of damaged <br />homes confirmed to have flood insurance and 43% of flooded buildings <br />statewide located outside FEMA high-risk zones, proactive flood-mitigation <br />strategies are essential. Native trees, strategically placed, reduce flooding <br />impacts by intercepting rainfall, improving infiltration, and stabilizing soils. <br />W orkshops will equip residents to choose species suited to their sites - <br />including water-tolerant species for floodplains - ensuring plantings are <br />resilient and beneficial for decades. W e will leverage volunteer labor for <br />planting events, fostering stewardship while maximizing cost efficiency. <br />Partnerships with developers, community groups, and the Chapel Hill Public <br />Library will extend our reach, providing venues for workshops and <br />additional tree distribution. Seedling giveaways at events will enable <br />immediate action and amplify community-wide impact. <br />This project directly advances the Orange County Climate Action Plan <br />goals: <br />GC 2: Increase tree canopy by giving away seedlings (1,000 per year) and <br />expanding plantings <br />GC 6: Broaden outreach and provide resources through education and <br />partnerships <br />By combining equitable access to trees with climate resilience education, <br />we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance flood resilience, and <br />empower residents to create greener, healthier, and more connected <br />communities. The result will be long-term ecological and social benefits, <br />especially for those most affected by climate change. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: CB1A7685-96B7-4FBD-80E0-8CF756D5E579