Federal grant aiming to provide tree canopy in disadvantaged neighborhoods receives praise

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The result of a federal urban forestry grant was shown off at Samuel Clemens Elementary School on Thursday, July 25, as crews planted and pruned trees on the city's north side. 

Back in 2023, the City of Milwaukee was awarded a $12 million federal grant to improve its tree canopy in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The grant is funded through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. 

Dr. Homer Wilkes, Under Secretary for National Resources and Environment, visited the school on Thursday to see the ongoing green schoolyards project. 

“I look at some of these places, a tree would make a real difference," Wilkes said as he toured the area outside the school where trees where being placed into the ground. "I can say what has taken place here is well worthwhile, the money has been distributed to the right place and right people.”

Clemens School is among the five MPS schools scheduled to have pavement removed in 2025 and to have trees and other greenery planted and stormwater management installed.

“It’s going to give many more opportunities to just have fun and learn and grow," said Garry Lawson, Former Principal of Samuel Clemens Elementary School. "It's greatly needed." 

So far, 26 MPS schools have been transformed to have green schoolyards, with five more to be completed in 2024.

“Urban trees have great benefits for neighborhoods in big cities such as ours," said Randy Krouse, the Forestry Services Manager for the City of Milwaukee. 

Children at Samuel Clemens Elementary School also spent their morning engaging with multiple stations that show the benefits of greening schoolyards.

Milwaukee Publican Schools has undertaken part of the project to add more greenery with its partners, including the City of Milwaukee and the nonprofit Reflo.