Throwing shade to turn down the temperature, combat urban heat island effect

Clark County Partners with Arbor Day Foundation to plant 4,500 trees through Community Canopy Project

Over the next few months, neighborhoods throughout Clark County will be blossoming with thousands of Shumard oak trees, chaste trees, southern live oak trees and Chinese pistache trees. More than simply providing aesthetic charm, the Community Canopy Project—part of Stay Cool Clark County, an All-In Clark County initiative—aims to address rising summer temperatures in the region.

“Summers in Southern Nevada are getting hotter and hotter. Planting trees is a simple and effective way to combat extreme heat, most notably the urban heat island effect,” said Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) Director Marci Henson. “Trees create shade, which reduces heat, cools buildings and streets and absorbs air pollution.”

The Long, Hot, Deadly Summer of 2024

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), 2024 was the hottest summer on record for Southern Nevada. Records were set this summer for highest recorded temperature (120 F on July 7), average high temperature (107.6 F) and average temperature (96.2 F). The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner reported 224 heat-related deaths this year in Clark County, bringing the total to 702 over the past three years.

About the Community Canopy Project

In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, DES will deliver 4,500 trees to Clark County community members. Residents with the greatest need will be prioritized, based on a map of local heat vulnerability. Clark County residents are eligible for at least one, free, water-efficient tree. Available trees include the Shumard oak, chaste tree, Chinese pistache and more. Residents in heat-vulnerable zip codes are eligible for two trees.

How to Receive a Tree

Residents may go to www.ArborDay.org/ClarkCountyDES to claim their trees. The Community Canopy Project is available through May 2025 or until supplies run out.

“Heat mitigation is a cornerstone of our All-In Community Sustainability and Climate Action Plan,” said Henson. “The Community Canopy Project is our first step toward heat mitigation and turning down the temperature in Southern Nevada.”