Canopy Roots

Environmental justice goes beyond clean air and green space. It’s about people, power, and how resources are shared. Communities most impacted by pollution are often excluded from wealth and decision-making. In this episode, we dive into how environmental justice is inseparable from social justice and the fight for equity.

In this episode, we dig into the “green gap” — why some communities have abundant tree canopy and access to green spaces, while others face concrete and heat. We explore how trees are more than just shade; they’re about health, equity, and justice. Tune in to hear stories and solutions rooted in community voices and the fight for environmental justice.

In this special episode, we sit down with our former Executive Director, Catherine Martineau, whose leadership helped shape the heart and mission of our organization. During her time with us, she nurtured community-rooted programs, deepened our commitment to equity, and championed environmental justice with clarity and care.Together, we reflect on the challenges, milestones, and lessons that defined her tenure and the legacy that continues to guide our work today. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just getting to know our story, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse into the roots we’re still growing from.

This Wellness Walk episode is all about the power of trees and being outdoors. Take a mindful pause with our TUFs as they explore how nature supports our well-being—one step, one breath, one tree at a time.

In this episode, our Teen Urban Foresters will discuss simple and effective ways to care for trees in your home, such as watering, mulching, or knowing when to prune. Healthy trees mean healthier communities! If you have any questions or want to learn more about tree care, visit us at canopy.org.

Are you interested in planting a tree but unsure how to do it correctly? Check out our Teen Urban Foresters’ guide, which breaks down Canopy’s tips for planting trees to help them grow healthy and strong. If you would like more tips, please visit our website for instructional videos. https://canopy.org/tree-info/planting-trees/

In this episode, we explore the "green gap," which refers to the disparities in access to urban greenery and environmental resources in underrepresented communities. Join us as we hear from two TUFs who share their connections with trees, discuss the role of urban forestry in bridging this gap, and explain how Canopy is advocating for change.

Did you know that Canopy was originally called Canopy, Trees for Palo Alto? In 2006, the organization broadened its mission to include tree-planting efforts in surrounding neighborhoods. To reflect this expanded focus and commitment to serving all communities, the name was simplified to Canopy. Join us as we explore the history of East Palo Alto (EPA), a community shaped by decades of activism, cultural diversity, and a fight for self-determination. From its incorporation as a city in the 1980s to its struggles with environmental injustices, we’ll explore how EPA’s historical context set the stage for today’s efforts to expand tree plantings and green its urban spaces. Learn how these initiatives are bringing cleaner air, cooler streets, and a renewed sense of community pride.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in urban forestry or in environmental fields in general? Listen to the TUFs as they share their perspectives and experiences from the program! The Teen Urban Foresters Program is a paid workforce development initiative aimed at connecting high school students with urban forestry. It takes an intersectional approach, prioritizing applicants from East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. The TUF Program creates a sense of agency for high school students to lead discussions on tree equity and racial justice within the outdoor movement. It focuses on themes of intersectionality, storytelling, and social justice.