New York City has released its first Urban Forest Plan, setting a path to reach 30 percent canopy by 2040. WXY helped lead the public engagement, data analysis, and development of the report, working with a broad coalition of city agencies and partners to bring the plan together.

The plan is organized around three coordinated pathways:

1. Preserve Tree Canopy
2. Plant More Trees
3. Cultivate Stewards of the Urban Forest

Together, they connect protection, expansion, and long-term care, framing trees as essential infrastructure that support climate resilience, public health, and everyday life across the five boroughs.

This work builds on years of collaboration across city agencies, partners, and community stewards who have been shaping and caring for the canopy long before a citywide plan existed. The effort brought together the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Areas Conservancy, City Parks Foundation, Partnerships for Parks, and Urban Canopy Works, LLC into a shared framework for action.

At WXY, this meant leading engagement across neighborhoods, translating complex canopy data into a clear analytical framework, and writing and designing the report itself. We also worked with the team to shape the pathways into a structure that can guide action over time.

This was a true team effort, with leadership and contributions from Adam Lubinsky, Dare Brawley, Bahij Chancey, Olivia Jia, Sarah L. and Vishakha Ruhela.

We’re excited to see the plan out in the world and to support what comes next. Expanding canopy isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about building a healthier, more resilient city over time, one that reaches every neighborhood.