Our Sacred Canopy
Across spiritual traditions, trees are revered as symbols of life, wisdom, and interconnectedness. From the Tree of Life in the Bible to the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, trees remind us of the sacredness of our Sacred Earth and our responsibility to care for it.
Our Sacred Canopy is a tree planting program focused on increasing access to trees for those who need it most. Children, the elderly, low income communities, and other vulnerable populations are most likely to suffer from a heat-related illness. For households with limited resources, the cooling shade and natural insulation trees provide means less strain on utilities, protecting them from extreme weather and the rising costs of energy. Plus, studies show that time spent among trees reduces stress, boosts immunity, and enhances well-being.
A robust tree canopy has amazing health benefits for our planet and all living creatures. Trees fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. They regulate the water cycle, prevent erosion, and reduce the risk of floods and droughts. Plus our forests shelter countless species and protect biodiversity.
Caring for nature is a sacred responsibility, one that benefits our collective physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Please join us and plant a sacred canopy at your house of worship!
Click here to submit an interest form and see if your congregation qualifies for free trees.
Recommended Trees by County & City
Los Angeles | San Diego | San Francisco | Sacramento | Stockton
Additional Resources:
Tree Planting Ceremony Script
Tree Activities for Children and Youth
Tree Maintenance Guides – Coming Soon
FAQ
How do I know if my congregation or residential home qualifies for free trees?
In order to qualify for free trees, you must live in a low-canopy/low-income neighborhood as determined by the EPA section of the Tree Equity Score map. CIPL will confirm your eligibility once you submit the Congregation: Do We Qualify for Free Trees? form.
How can my congregation sign up for this program?
Please submit the “Congregation: Do We Qualify for Free Trees?” form. A CIPL staff member will confirm your eligibility and reach out to schedule an initial planning meeting.
What are the requirements for this program?
- All trees must be planted in a low-canopy/low-income neighborhood as determined by the EPA section of the Tree Equity Score map.
- In addition to receiving free trees, CIPL will help your congregation organize two community events:
- A tree canopy educational event that highlights how planting trees can cool neighborhoods, clean the air, and improve public health, especially in communities that have been historically neglected.
- A tree planting ceremony to offer blessings, prayers, and rituals that resonate with your faith tradition. This event is intended to gather your community, commit to care for your new trees, and acknowledge how the act of planting trees is an expression of care for creation.
- Your Congregation can choose to expand this program and have individuals and families receive free trees to plant at their residential homes.
- Note: All trees must be planted in low-canopy neighborhoods as determined by the EPA section of the Tree Equity Score map. CIPL cannot guarantee that every individual who signs up for this program will qualify for free trees.
How many trees can my congregation receive for free?
Currently, there is no specific limit for the number of trees your congregation can receive at this time. Throughout this 3-year project, the limits for trees might change depending on funding availability.
What types of trees can we plant?
There is no restriction on what species of trees you can plant. However, we highly recommend planting climate-conscious trees that are comfortable in your region’s weather and environment.
Funding for this project is provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with American Forests