American Forests, REVERB Help Austin Reach Tree Canopy Goal to Provide Heat Relief

Community planting planned for Zilker Park on March 13; Austin becomes first city to formally adopt American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Forests, the nation’s oldest conservation nonprofit, and REVERB, the music industry’s leading sustainability partner, today announced a new community tree planting event and partnership to help expand tree canopy in Austin as the city works to meet its goal of 50% tree canopy by 2050. This work was made possible with support from Billie Eilish and her fans through Eilish’s groundbreaking Changemaker Program and the Canadian folk band Wild Rivers.

Alongside American Forests and REVERB, 60 volunteers, including the Austin Youth Forest Council, the City of Austin, TreeFolks, and Zilker 351, are planting 140 trees in Zilker Park.

Event Details

• What: American Forests/REVERB Zilker Park Tree Planting
• When: Friday, March 13, 9:00am–1:00pm CT
• Where: Zilker Park, park at Barton Springs South lot
• Who: Local officials, leaders from American Forests and REVERB, partners from Austin Youth Forest Council, TreeFolks, and Zilker 351
• Why: Summer temperatures in Austin above 110°F are becoming more frequent, and some neighborhoods can be 10-15°F hotter than greener areas. Maximum temperatures in the city are expected to increase 10°F by the end of the century.
• Visuals: Opening remarks from American Forests and REVERB (9:15), group photo (9:35), planting/mulching (9:40-1:00)

Trees are a nature-based solution that strengthen neighborhoods in Austin by addressing climate and public health challenges including extreme heat-related illness and poor air quality. Shade from trees also helps to lower energy costs, and adding green space creates local workforce opportunities in urban forestry.

"Austin is on the front lines of extreme heat, and expanding its tree canopy is one of the most effective, proven solutions we have to cool our streets and create green spaces," said Hilary Franz, CEO of American Forests. "American Forests is proud to work with REVERB, the City of Austin, and our community partners to plant trees where they are needed the most, ensuring children in every neighborhood are able to play under the shade.”

“REVERB is proud to partner with American Forests to plant trees in Austin and expand tree canopy in neighborhoods that need it most,” said Madeline Weir, Director of Impact, REVERB. “Through our Climate Project Portfolio, with support from Billie Eilish and her fans through Eilish’s groundbreaking Changemaker Program as well as Canadian folk band, Wild Rivers, we’re excited to turn fan energy into lasting climate impact in communities like Austin.”

This planting is part of a broader effort, including six additional planned sites, to enhance walkability to concert venues in the city funded through Billie Eilish’s Changemaker Program and fans who attended her most recent North American tour. The neighborhoods for the plantings will be selected using American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool. Austin is the first U.S. city to formally adopt American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool to help advance its goal of 50% tree canopy by 2050.

Developed by American Forests' data scientists, the Tree Equity Score tool uses spatial data and analysis to show where inequities in tree cover are present, providing a data-driven approach to identify the areas in highest need of trees to ensure the benefits of trees are accessible to all neighborhoods.

"Tree canopy is a critical part of Austin's Climate Equity Plan, especially in neighborhoods most affected by extreme heat," said Zach Baumer, Director of Austin Climate Action and Resilience. "With the help of community volunteers and partners like American Forests, REVERB, and Zilker 351, we're making progress toward our canopy goal and delivering real climate resilience benefits for Austinites."

About American Forests

American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: www.americanforests.org

About REVERB

REVERB is the music industry’s leading sustainability partner. For more than 20 years, the nonprofit has harnessed the cultural power of music to drive real-world change. Founded in 2004 by environmentalist Lauren Sullivan and Guster frontman Adam Gardner, REVERB has partnered with festivals, venues, industry leaders and hundreds of artists across all genres, including Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band, Lorde, Dead & Company, Tyler Childers, Tame Impala, Jack Johnson, and many more. Together with REVERB, they’ve greened thousands of concerts, eliminated millions of single-use plastic bottles, brought large-scale clean energy solutions to live music, and raised $21 million for environmental and social causes. With its 360-degree model — from backstage operations and touring logistics to fan engagement and stewarding funds on behalf of partners — REVERB makes it easy for artists and the music industry to reduce their footprint, while amplifying their collective voice for a healthier planet.

Learn more at http://reverb.org.

About Changemaker Program

Billie designated tickets at every show on her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR for the Changemaker program. Proceeds from the tickets sold at North America shows created a Climate Impact Fund, managed by nonprofit partner REVERB, that supports important organizations, projects, and voices dedicated to climate justice, reducing carbon pollution, and supporting crucial environmental work.