Canopy is a nonprofit community urban forestry organization that plants and cares for trees where people need them the most.
Welcome to Canopy Roots, where we delve into the intertwined realms of environmental and social justice. Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we explore the interconnected issues shaping our world. From climate change to community empowerment, we aim to unearth the roots of change and inspire meaningful conversations. Join us as we cultivate a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and social equity.
Good sleep is essential for healthy development, but many young people struggle to get enough rest. Spending time outdoors may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve sleep quality and mental wellness.
Join the conversation as we explore the relationship between outdoor experiences, healthier lifestyles, and the benefits nature provides for youth wellness.
21 Aug 2026
A Tree at Home: How One Tree Made a Difference
Sometimes a single tree can transform more than a backyard. From creating shade and beauty to improving comfort and connection to nature, planting trees can have a lasting impact on everyday life.
In this episode, a local resident shares their experience of having a tree planted by Canopy in their backyard and reflects on how it has positively affected their home, neighborhood, and sense of community.
10 Sept 2025
Environmental Justice Pt. 2
Environmental justice goes beyond clean air and green space. It’s about people, power, and how resources are shared. Communities most impacted by pollution are often excluded from wealth and decision-making.
In this episode, we dive into how environmental justice is inseparable from social justice and the fight for equity.
29 Aug 2025
What is Environmental Justice?
In this episode, we dig into the “green gap” — why some communities have abundant tree canopy and access to green spaces, while others face concrete and heat. We explore how trees are more than just shade; they’re about health, equity, and justice. Tune in to hear stories and solutions rooted in community voices and the fight for environmental justice.
18 Jul 2025
Deeply Rooted: A Conversation with Catherine Martineau
In this special episode, we sit down with our former Executive Director, Catherine Martineau, whose leadership helped shape the heart and mission of our organization. During her time with us, she nurtured community-rooted programs, deepened our commitment to equity, and championed environmental justice with clarity and care.
Together, we reflect on the challenges, milestones, and lessons that defined her tenure and the legacy that continues to guide our work today. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just getting to know our story, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse into the roots we’re still growing from.
22 May 2025
The Healing Power of Trees
This Wellness Walk episode is all about the power of trees and being outdoors. Take a mindful pause with our TUFs as they explore how nature supports our well-being—one step, one breath, one tree at a time.
16 Apr 2025
How to care for trees
In this episode, our Teen Urban Foresters will discuss simple and effective ways to care for trees in your home, such as watering, mulching, or knowing when to prune. Healthy trees mean healthier communities! If you have any questions or want to learn more about tree care, visit us at canopy.org (http://canopy.org).
19 Mar 2025
How to Plant a Tree!
Are you interested in planting a tree but unsure how to do it correctly? Check out our Teen Urban Foresters’ guide, which breaks down Canopy’s tips for planting trees to help them grow healthy and strong.
If you would like more tips, please visit our website for instructional videos. https://canopy.org/tree-info/planting-trees/
28 Jan 2025
Bridging the Green Gap
In this episode, we explore the "green gap (https://inmenlo.com/2022/06/03/catherine-martineau-talks-about-canopy-on-the-occasion-of-its-25th-anniversary/)," which refers to the disparities in access to urban greenery and environmental resources in underrepresented communities. Join us as we hear from two TUFs who share their connections with trees, discuss the role of urban forestry in bridging this gap, and explain how Canopy is advocating for change.
21 Dec 2024
Branching Out: East Palo Alto Tree Initiative
Did you know that Canopy was originally called Canopy, Trees for Palo Alto? In 2006, the organization broadened its mission to include tree-planting efforts in surrounding neighborhoods. To reflect this expanded focus and commitment to serving all communities, the name was simplified to Canopy.
Join us as we explore the history of East Palo Alto (EPA), a community shaped by decades of activism, cultural diversity, and a fight for self-determination. From its incorporation as a city in the 1980s to its struggles with environmental injustices, we’ll explore how EPA’s historical context set the stage for today’s efforts to expand tree plantings and green its urban spaces. Learn how these initiatives are bringing cleaner air, cooler streets, and a renewed sense of community pride.
10 Nov 2024
The Teen Urban Forester Program
Are you interested in pursuing a career in urban forestry or in environmental fields in general? Listen to the TUFs as they share their perspectives and experiences from the program!
The Teen Urban Foresters Program is a paid workforce development initiative aimed at connecting high school students with urban forestry. It takes an intersectional approach, prioritizing applicants from East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. The TUF Program creates a sense of agency for high school students to lead discussions on tree equity and racial justice within the outdoor movement. It focuses on themes of intersectionality, storytelling, and social justice.
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