WHC Awarded $750,000 Grant from GreenLatinos to Enhance Urban Canopies in Northwestern Indiana

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Projects to focus on improving canopy networks to help mitigate urban heat island effect, prevent sediment runoff in local waterways, and increase biodiversity in urban communities

BETHESDA, Md., Nov 6, 2024 – Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of USD 750,000 from GreenLatinos, a national non-profit of Latino leaders confronting national and local environmental issues in the Latino community. This grant is aimed at implementing urban forestry efforts focused on tree planting and maintenance, and community engagement.

This significant contribution will be used to support WHC’s initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting wildlife habitats across Northwest Indiana. WHC’s focus is geared towards improving local canopy networks to help mitigate urban heat island effect, prevent sediment runoff in local waterways (namely the Grand Calumet River), and increase biodiversity in urban communities.

Throughout the initiative, community members will benefit from horticultural and arboricultural education, increasing local expertise and providing sustainable opportunities. After completion, Northwest Indiana communities will benefit from increased public green spaces that may be utilized for recreational activities and public wellness.

“By nurturing local canopy networks and green spaces in urban areas, we are not only enhancing the environment but also creating a sense of pride and well-being among residents,” said Daniel Goldfarb, Director of Social Impact, WHC. “Our commitment to the area, both with our work and our membership presence, empowers us to continue making a positive impact one tree at a time.”

Added Goldfarb, “For our member companies located in the Great Lakes (and beyond), urban and community forestry is emerging as a key point of intersection between equity and justice efforts for communities, and climate adaptation actions contributing to corporate climate goals. It’s another way to engage our corporate membership in the communities they work.”

The collaboration between WHC and GreenLatinos highlights a shared commitment to environmental equity and community engagement. Together, both organizations will work to enhance biodiversity, promote the importance of preserving wildlife habitats in urban and underserved communities, and develop pathways for nature-related jobs.

This initiative is funded by the USDA Forest Service in aims of promoting health and vitality in urban communities across the United States. The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forest Program plays a vital role in fostering resilient and thriving urban forests for the benefit of present and future generations, while promoting a sense of stewardship and connection to nature within urban communities and environments.

Learn more about the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program

Introducing Tandem Global

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There is nothing more vital or essential than safeguarding and stewarding our resources. It’s true for everyone and it’s true for business. Without a nature mindset there will be no business to do.

January 2025

2025 marks a significant milestone for WHC, as we embrace a new beginning as a combined organization with the World Environment Center. We are proud and energized to share the new name for our organization—one that better reflects who we are, what we stand for, and where we’re headed.

Our new brand symbolizes growth, renewal, and our ongoing commitment to advancing environmental sustainability around the world.

Introducing…

Together leads to better

It’s one of our fundamental beliefs and it’s the foundation of who we are, how we work, and the name we’ve chosen for our organization —Tandem Global.

We chose our name, in part, because our work happens at the intersection of critical global forces: business, climate, water, and nature. It has never been more important for humanity that these forces work effectively in tandem. As a result, our name represents a focus on partnerships with businesses and communities to develop and activate strategies that support long-term positive impacts on our shared environment locally and globally.

As an organization, we believe there is no greater cause with global consequences than the intersection of business and nature. As Tandem Global, we will offer meaningful private sector value through proven approaches in nature, water, climate resilience and social impact. Through technical acumen and thought leadership, the new organization will deliver value through solutions and support for a wide range of corporate sustainability efforts – from operations to the C-suite, all under the same roof.

Coming Soon

The official launch of our new name will take place at the end of February. At that time, we’ll also launch our new website TandemGlobal.org, with our new email addresses and new branding.

Our new organization will also include Tandem Global, e.V., which will serve as the European arm of our organization and our Global Thought Leadership Hub.

For now, you can continue to access the full Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center websites, but be sure to check out TandemGlobal.org in late February.

FAQs

When will the new organization officially launch?

We expect to introduce the new combined organization in Q1 2025. Along with a new name and brand identity, expect an invigorated website, expanded value proposition, and a new mission and vision. In the meantime, both WHC and WEC continue to operate under their respective brands.

What can we expect from the new organization?

With the expertise of the two organizations, and their combined 75 years of experience, Tandem Global will expand opportunities for best-in-class collaborations with companies to halt and restore nature loss, improve water stewardship, enhance climate and community resilience and support the transition to a circular economy. Tandem Global will serve a member network of over 100 corporations around the world supporting sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.

What is the geographical footprint of the new organization’s operations?

Officially, the headquarters of the new organization will be in Washington, D.C., with offices in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A. WHC and WEC currently operate with a dispersed workforce, and the new organization will continue this practice. The new organization will support members across all continents with official operations in the U.S, Europe (as Tandem Global, e.V., based in Germany) and Latin America (in El Salvador and Peru).

Who will lead the new organization?

Margaret O’Gorman has been named CEO of the new organization. The Tandem Global Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from WHC and WEC member companies. View the full list of board members here.

Will WHC Certification change its name?

In recognition of its significant reputational value, the certification program will continue to be branded as WHC Certification. The brand ‘look’ will be refreshed with an updated mark, font, and a Tandem Global identifier, but previous Certification branding (e.g. signage) will continue to be used ensuring minimal disruption to the program.

Will there be a Conservation Conference in 2025?

A rebranded Conference will be held June 3-4 in Detroit, MI, with the exceptional speakers, sessions and networking opportunities attendees have come to expect from our signature event.

What’s happening with funded projects?

All work related to funded projects of both organizations — currently underway or scheduled— will continue without interruption, even during the Q1 transition.