Mayor Janet Cowell highlights 24,000-tree goal and creek-restoration work in Raleigh

Mayor Janet Cowell told attendees at Raleigh's Earth Day celebration at Dix Park that the city is pushing to expand its urban canopy and repair damaged waterways. "We have an initiative to plant 24,000 trees by 2032," Cowell said, tying the effort to the city's broader climate-action goals.

Cowell described several creek restoration projects intended to reduce flash flooding and improve ecological function. She cited Rocky Branch as "one of the most damaged creeks in the city" and said the city plans to restore its meanders so the creek can "act naturally." She also said the city intends to daylight Pigeon Branch near Smoky Hollow.

The mayor framed the tree-planting and creek work as part of Raleigh's community-led Climate Action Plan, which the sustainability office and residents helped develop. "We're planting native trees," Cowell said, noting the city is favoring species suited to local ecology rather than nonnative ornamentals.

Megan Anderson, Raleigh's sustainability officer, urged residents to consult the city's native-plant lists for yard work and described the Climate Action Plan as focusing on greenhouse-gas reduction alongside social outcomes such as accessibility and resilience. Anderson reiterated the 24,000-tree target while calling the plan "alive in the people who lead and make change happen."

No formal vote or regulatory action was announced at the event; the mayor described planned projects and community partnerships. The city indicated more detail about implementation and timelines is available through Raleigh's Climate Action Implementation Reports and via city departments leading urban forestry and stormwater efforts.