AHA Senior Julianna Dail Leads the Charge for Environmental Justice

When Julianna Dail, a senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels, took an online environmental science course through SUNY Canton, she discovered a passion that would transform communities and improve lives. That course introduced her to the concept of urban heat islands—cities that are significantly warmer than surrounding areas due to a lack of tree canopy and excessive concrete surfaces. These areas, often home to marginalized communities, face heightened environmental, health, social, and economic challenges. For Julianna, the disparities in tree coverage became a call to action. 

Inspired by Holy Angels’ emphasis on using one’s gifts to serve others, Julianna founded Arbores Ad Aequitas (Trees for Equity) in the fall of 2023. This nonprofit organization addresses the issue of tree inequity by planting trees in urban areas, raising awareness, and educating the next generation about environmental justice. Julianna’s initiative combines hands-on activism with community collaboration and academic research to tackle urban heat islands and their impact on underserved neighborhoods.

In recognition of her remarkable efforts, Julianna was honored with the Daily Point of Light Award, celebrating her dedication to service and advocacy.

Since its inception, Trees for Equity has achieved impressive milestones:

• Tree Planting and Partnerships: Julianna has helped plant over 200 trees in urban areas in collaboration with groups such as the NJ Tree Foundation, Dumont Shade Tree Commission, and Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee. She has also established partnerships with 10 local organizations to further her mission.
• Education and Outreach: Julianna has reached over 150 students through workshops at schools, camps, and libraries, including Cliffside Park Public Schools, Tenafly Nature Center, and Englewood Public Library. These workshops teach sustainability, urban heat island effects, and the importance of tree canopy to young learners.
• Research and Advocacy: Last summer, Julianna worked with Dr. Mike Alonzo at American University on urban tree canopy research. She then applied similar techniques to analyze tree coverage in Newark, NJ, sharing her findings with partner organizations to inform their efforts.
• Sapling Giveaways and Advocacy: In addition to organizing tree plantings, Julianna has spearheaded sapling giveaways and advocated for increased urban tree coverage in local neighborhoods.

“The classes and school community at Holy Angels have taught me to use my gifts in service to others and protection of our planet,” Julianna reflects. “I’ve learned that with effort, learning, and persistence, I can overcome obstacles and find solutions. This mindset fueled my work with Trees for Equity to address the lack of tree canopy in Newark and improve the quality of life for local residents.”

Julianna’s work is a shining example of how one individual can make a tangible difference in addressing environmental and social inequalities. Through Trees for Equity, she is not only planting trees but also planting hope, knowledge, and a greener future for communities in need.

Learn more about Julianna’s inspiring work and how to support Trees for Equity at www.treesforequity.org.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds. AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.