Taking Root Press Release – 2021 Duke Energy Foundation Award Here 

Cincinnati, Ohio – Taking Root received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to create powerful communities in tristate neighborhoods through the Tree For Me neighborhood
tree distribution program. Taking Root is one of 14 organizations in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky to collectively
receive $170,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. Taking Root will be activating tree distribution campaigns in local communities during prime tree planting seasons of the
spring and fall of 2022. Tree For Me is a web-based tree benefit calculator providing residents the ability to virtually place a tree on their property and see stormwater, air quality, and carbon
dioxide benefits at any location in the Greater Cincinnati area.
“Duke Energy is committed to the communities we serve and our Foundation’s Powerful Communities program enables regional vibrancy. We’re pleased to support Taking Root and
their focus on building climate resiliency.” Amy Spiller, President, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. This program will use the new Tree For Me tool powered and developed by Ohio Kentucky
Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI). This tool is available for anyone’s use here .

A user selects a tree species common in the
region and that is to be planted in a location of their choosing. Images and descriptions of each species helps the user select the most suitable tree for that particular spot. Taking Root uses this tool to activate tree giveaways in local communities. The funding will
provide trees in 2022 to the communities of Avondale, Bond Hill, Roselawn, and Walnut Hills in Ohio, and Boone County, in Kentucky. Based on current tree canopy, heat island, and demographic data, these locations are deemed to benefit the most from added tree canopy.

Taking Root has partnered with the Civic Garden Center to promote the availability of Trees For Me to neighborhood residents. The trees provided to residents in this program are supplied by
Natorp’s and will include a variety of species with various maturity sizes to accommodate any property. “The end result of this program will be to have meaningfully engaged 180 households in lowincome communities through a simple, unique, and exciting tree distribution that informs participants of specific environmental and health benefits of trees and will encourage better stewardship of our tree canopy”, explains Kris Stone, Taking Root President.