.png)
Beyond the Roots:
Policy, Protection, and Preservation
At the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT), we do more than plant and give away trees—we fight every day to protect, preserve, and expand Wilmington’s urban canopy and the mature forests that support the health and resilience of the Lower Cape Fear region.
Our advocacy efforts ensure that trees and green infrastructure remain a priority at the city, county, and state levels, shaping policies that safeguard our natural environment for future generations.
CODE & CANOPY:
New Tree Protection Policy Playbook
With Code & Canopy, the Alliance is calling for a bold shift in how our communities grow. This isn’t just a policy guide—it’s a blueprint for protecting the natural infrastructure that defines our region’s identity and future. We’re challenging outdated development codes, prioritizing mature tree preservation, and giving municipalities and counties the tools they need to stop unnecessary canopy loss before it begins.
From stronger ordinances to innovative incentives, Code & Canopy is helping reshape local development standards—one planning board at a time.
And this is just the beginning. Code & Canopy will guide our advocacy moving forward, ensuring every campaign, coalition, and conversation is grounded in smart, strategic policy that delivers lasting impact.
Our vision is unapologetically clear: a North Carolina where growth doesn’t come at the expense of character, resilience, or ecological health.
.png)
NC Policy Priorities
At the heart of Code & Canopy is a simple truth: local communities must have the authority to shape their landscapes.
We’re working to restore that power.
Local Wins We've Championed
We actively engage with local officials, developers, and community stakeholders to advocate for smart policies that prioritize tree preservation. Whether it’s fighting to strengthen tree protection ordinances, ensuring sustainable urban planning, or preventing unnecessary deforestation, ACFT stands as a voice for trees in the Lower Cape Fear region.
Support the Hands Behind the Canopy
The Alliance is most visible when we’re handing out free native trees and planting throughout the city of Wilmington. But behind the scenes, we’re working every day to advocate for our urban forests and our region’s natural areas.
While grants fund our trees, they do not fund our people. Help us carry out our mission.
