We want you to Breathe with Ease

🌳 About A Greener Hampton Roads

A Greener Hampton Roads is a transformative urban forestry initiative led by Norfolk State University, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and rooted in a mission to improve the health, equity, and quality of life in historically underserved communities across Norfolk, Virginia.

At the heart of our work is a simple yet powerful idea: every neighborhood deserves access to nature. By planting trees in neighborhoods identified as disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), we are addressing environmental and social disparities—cooling down hot streets, purifying the air, restoring vacant spaces, and fostering a renewed sense of pride and connection.

🌿 Our Vision

To create healthier, greener, and more resilient communities in Norfolk—where every resident, regardless of zip code, can enjoy the life-changing benefits of trees and green space.

💡 Our Goals

Expand tree canopy in neighborhoods most impacted by climate-related heat and environmental injustice.

  • Create educational pathways for youth and adults through environmental curriculum development and workforce training.

  • Promote environmental equity by bringing resources, green space, and attention to areas that have historically been overlooked.

  • Engage the community through volunteer opportunities, public events, and long-term stewardship programs.

🤝 Our Approach

We’re planting trees and growing trust—through partnerships, education, and inclusion.

  • Community-First: Residents help guide where, how, and what we plant.

  • Evidence-Based: We’ve used neighborhood data, health indicators, and environmental tools to target where we can make the greatest impact.

  • Sustainability-Focused: Trees are nurtured long after planting through professional maintenance, watering services, and GPS tracking.

  • Workforce-Oriented: We invest in the future by offering job training and paid internships in green careers.

🌎 Why This Matters

Disadvantaged communities in Norfolk face compounding challenges: hotter temperatures, higher pollution, lower life expectancy, and fewer trees. This isn’t just a climate issue—it’s a justice issue. Research shows that trees improve public health, reduce crime, enhance property values, and increase community well-being. Our project is about more than planting—it’s about restoring balance, beauty, and opportunity.

🌱 Join the Movement

This is your city. These are your trees. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, retiree, or business owner—you have a place in A Greener Hampton Roads. Learn how you can volunteer, partner, or support our work by visiting our Get Involved page.