Urban Tree Canopy Protection & Rebuilding Initiative

CAO: Kyle J. Snyder

Population less than 10,000

The Town of Berwyn Heights has transformed a devastating natural disaster into a model of environmental resilience through its award-winning Urban Tree Canopy Protection & Rebuilding Initiative. After a powerful 2022 thunderstorm with wind gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour damaged hundreds of mature trees, blocked roads, and caused prolonged power outages, Town leaders recognized an opportunity to do more than recover. Rather than simply replacing lost trees, Berwyn Heights launched a long-term, science-based strategy to restore and protect one of its most valuable community assets, its urban tree canopy.

Recognizing that most of the Town’s trees are located on private property, Berwyn Heights developed a phased approach centered on education, professional assessments, and strategic planting. The initiative began with a comprehensive inventory of public trees to identify risks, prioritize maintenance, and improve public safety. It then expanded to private properties through grant-funded arborist evaluations, community workshops, and the planting of native trees. Residents received expert guidance to help preserve healthy trees while reducing unnecessary removals, strengthening both neighborhood confidence and environmental stewardship.

Partnerships played a critical role in the program’s success. Working alongside the University of Maryland, Prince George’s County agencies, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pepco, and private arboricultural consultants, Berwyn Heights leveraged outside expertise and competitive grant funding to expand its impact without placing additional strain on the town’s operating budget. These collaborations enabled the Town to create a sustainable program that combined professional tree care, public education, and long-term planning into a single coordinated effort.

The results have been impressive. Over the course of the initiative, 783 public right-of-way trees were inventoried, 461 mature trees were professionally assessed, and 201 native trees were planted across two years. More than 130 private properties participated in the program, surpassing the town’s original participation goal and creating a waiting list for the next phase. By treating trees as essential green infrastructure rather than simply landscaping, Berwyn Heights has strengthened stormwater management, improved climate resilience, enhanced neighborhood character, and protected public safety for future generations.

Berwyn Heights’ Urban Tree Canopy Protection & Rebuilding Initiative demonstrates that even the smallest communities can achieve significant sustainability outcomes through strategic planning, strong partnerships, and community engagement. By turning a severe storm into a catalyst for innovation, the town has created a replicable model that protects natural resources, builds environmental resilience, and improves quality of life. The initiative stands as an inspiring example of how thoughtful local leadership can transform today’s challenges into lasting benefits for generations to come.