West Liberty University receives Urban and Community Forestry Grant

West Liberty University and the West Virginia University Extension Service have formed a partnership thanks to receiving a $1.5 million Urban and Community Forestry Grant, which comes via the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, that will give West Liberty University Associate Professor of Biology Dr. James Wood and West Virginia University Extension Service agent Karen Cox the opportunity to expand urban forestry efforts in Wheeling, West Virginia.

According to an article on West Liberty University’s website, Dr. Woods explained the necessity of urban forestry and how it can impact a community. He is quoted as saying, “As we face longer and hotter summers, stronger storms, and the increased potential for prolonged droughts, we must look towards climate-resilient actions to help our communities adjust to these trends and events. Tree canopies can regulate temperature, while healthy stands of trees help to manage water produced by heavy downpours and even storm surges. Healthy mature trees and greenspaces in our neighborhoods increase property values and improve quality of life. The training, education, and other resources provided by this grant will help Wheeling become even more livable and vibrant.”

The grant seeks to enhance the urban forestry efforts in underserved areas, in this case East and South Wheeling, by bringing together a team of people to manage tree growth, control invasive species, and manage tree diseases. Dr. Woods and Cox will expand the City of Wheeling’s 2022 Urban Forest Management Plan and will work with the Wheeling Planning Office to implement community education and outreach opportunities.

Under the grant, the salary of a full time Urban Ecosystem Manager will be covered, as will five paid internships for students at any West Virginia college or university. A West Liberty University biology graduate student will also receive full tuition coverage to assess Wheeling’s green spaces. Students and community outreach organizations will be involved in the development of an arborist training program.

Cox said of the partnership between West Virginia University Extension Service and West Liberty University, “I have worked with Dr. Wood on several natural resource projects, both engaging students in the community and through founding the Wheeling Creek Watershed Alliance. Our partnership on this project was a natural outgrowth of past community engagements. Working in natural resources means believing in a better future, being extremely patient, and not giving up.”

For more information about West Liberty University, visit the school’s website.