CLEVELAND (AP) — Efforts to increase Cleveland’s urban forest canopy are getting a boost from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

The agency’s Environmental Education Fund awarded a grant of nearly $42,000 to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Holden Arboretum and other local partners to teach area residents how to properly plant and care for trees.

The intent is to improve the density of trees and woody plants that can benefit both people and the environment. The EPA said in announcing the grant that trees help lower temperatures by providing shade. They also filter pollution, reduce storm water runoff, increase property values and enhance wildlife habitat.

Additional partners include the Slavic Village Community and Old Brooklyn development corporations, Ohio City Incorporated and others.

The grant was one of seven awarded statewide.