 I'm Hannah Johnson, supervisor for Fort Worth's Community Tree Planting Program. Fort Worth has a long history of caring for the urban forest dating back to 1873 when the first tree ordinance was passed as the city was being incorporated. Fort Worth is also recognized as a Tree City, USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1978, longer than anywhere else in Texas. Did you know Fort Worth has its own municipal tree farm? It's located in South Fort Worth, where we grow thousands of trees to provide all across the city. Each year, free trees are distributed through our neighborhood tree planting program and our tree grant program. Fort Worth recognizes the benefits trees provide to the urban forest and have operated a tree farm for generations. Every tree that's planted helps clean the air we breathe by removing pollutants while providing oxygen that keeps us all healthier. A tree slows stormwater runoff, which reduces flooding and helps keep the water cleaner before it flows back into our rivers and lakes. Trees keep our city cooler by shading surfaces like concrete and asphalt. They help lower energy bills when they're planted where shade covers part of the home or building, particularly on the south or west side of the structure. They're also great refuges for wildlife like owls and songbirds, small mammals and even pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The Urban Forest Master Plan will help us ensure we're planting trees in areas of the greatest need and that our free trees are used for the greatest benefit to the community. That includes making sure trees are provided and nurtured in a way that's both equitable and reasonable. The results of the study will tell us where tree canopy is most needed and where adding trees can provide the most value for our residents. The Fort Worth Urban Forest Master Plan, utilizing the benefits of trees to make Fort Worth a greener, cleaner, cooler and healthier city today and in the years to come. Join the conversation.