City to triple tree canopy - The Frederick News-Post Online:
Residents tend not to notice trees until there is a problem — tree pollen allergies kick into gear or branches fall and knock down power lines.
But if city officials get their way, trees will become a much more prominent part of the city landscape, tripling their coverage area by 2030.
The city planning department presented its plan to the mayor and aldermen two weeks ago. The city has a 14 percent tree canopy coverage, and the goal is to reach at least 40 percent. City planner Pam Reppert said the aldermen seemed pleased with the report and would likely vote to approve it at an April 15 meeting.
The report outlines how the city will increase its tree canopy coverage by 6.5 percent every five years for the next 20 years.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Could modern Tokyo have 80% tree canopy? Japan's Edo Culture Inspires a Sustainable Post-Industrial Future
Jared Braiterman: Japan's Edo Culture Inspires a Sustainable Post-Industrial Future:
Could modern Tokyo have a tree canopy covering 80% of the city? Could Tokyo's rivers and bay provide free clams, fish and seaweed to its residents? Why do we have trouble even imagining urban agriculture or economic growth in harmony with the natural environment?
These were all accomplishments of pre-industrial Edo Japan. Azby Brown's new book Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan (Kodansha International 2010) convincingly argues that the growing movement for sustainable living in the twenty-first century can learn from Edo's land and resource practices and its culture of restraint.
Could modern Tokyo have a tree canopy covering 80% of the city? Could Tokyo's rivers and bay provide free clams, fish and seaweed to its residents? Why do we have trouble even imagining urban agriculture or economic growth in harmony with the natural environment?
These were all accomplishments of pre-industrial Edo Japan. Azby Brown's new book Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan (Kodansha International 2010) convincingly argues that the growing movement for sustainable living in the twenty-first century can learn from Edo's land and resource practices and its culture of restraint.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
National Science Foundation (NSF) News - Tree Canopy Researcher and Education Network for Young Women Honored for Public Service - US National Science Foundation (NSF)
nsf.gov - National Science Foundation (NSF) News - Tree Canopy Researcher and Education Network for Young Women Honored for Public Service - US National Science Foundation (NSF):
The National Science Board (NSB) is pleased to announce the two recipients of its 2010 NSB Public Service Award: scientist Nalini M. Nadkarni, and the education network called Expanding Your Horizons (EYH).
'We are pleased to recognize Nalini for her outstanding and truly unique achievements in bringing her research to the public,' said Steven Beering, NSB Chairman. 'Not only has she been a leader in the forest canopy research field, but she has actively engaged in forging connections with the general public and involving non-traditional audiences in scientific research.'
The National Science Board (NSB) is pleased to announce the two recipients of its 2010 NSB Public Service Award: scientist Nalini M. Nadkarni, and the education network called Expanding Your Horizons (EYH).
'We are pleased to recognize Nalini for her outstanding and truly unique achievements in bringing her research to the public,' said Steven Beering, NSB Chairman. 'Not only has she been a leader in the forest canopy research field, but she has actively engaged in forging connections with the general public and involving non-traditional audiences in scientific research.'
Fine St. Patio's Day sounds alarms on climate change; Toronto, Canada
Fine St. Patio's Day sounds alarms on climate change - thestar.com:
What a (winter? spring? summer?) break: The thermometer hit a balmy 16C on Wednesday, St. Patrick's Day, and the Toronto crowd happily took to the downtown bars and patios. Following that, Thursday's high was 19C.
But are we frogs in the pot?
In the old story, an amphibian's bliss in a warm bath turns fatal when the water's temperature is made to rise.
It happens so gradually the frog doesn't notice. In fact, weather records show temperatures have been slowly rising in Toronto for decades and the forecast, believe it or not (climate change is a controversial science) is that warming will continue.
What a (winter? spring? summer?) break: The thermometer hit a balmy 16C on Wednesday, St. Patrick's Day, and the Toronto crowd happily took to the downtown bars and patios. Following that, Thursday's high was 19C.
But are we frogs in the pot?
In the old story, an amphibian's bliss in a warm bath turns fatal when the water's temperature is made to rise.
It happens so gradually the frog doesn't notice. In fact, weather records show temperatures have been slowly rising in Toronto for decades and the forecast, believe it or not (climate change is a controversial science) is that warming will continue.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Casey Trees representing Alliance for Community Trees at ANSI standards meeting; Baltimore, MD
The ASC A300, the committee that writes the published national (ANSI) standards for tree care, is meeting in Baltimore, MD from March 23 -25. Casey Trees is representing the Alliance for Community Trees on the committee. We will be tweeting from the meeting. Follow us at my twitter feed (MFGalvin) or by searching for the #A300 hashtag.
Monday, March 22, 2010
MillionTreesNYC Symposium Reaches New Green Heights; New York, NY
MillionTreesNYC Symposium Reaches New Green Heights > NYRP > NYRP Today:
On March 5 and 6, MillionTreesNYC’s second research symposium – titled MillionTreesNYC, Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecology – brought the brightest green minds together in an effort to enhance urban forestry projects nation-wide. Held at The New School, the conference provided a forum where more than 200 scientists, professors and students had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments on the socio-ecology of urban landscapes, green infrastructure and public health.
Co-produced by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and the United States Forest Service, this year’s MillionTreesNYC research symposium expanded on knowledge gathered from the spring 2009 workshop – MillionTreesNYC, Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecology: Building a Research Agenda, which was the first step in a broader process of integration among disciplines, researchers and practitioners working to understand and improve New York City’s environment and green infrastructure.
On March 5 and 6, MillionTreesNYC’s second research symposium – titled MillionTreesNYC, Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecology – brought the brightest green minds together in an effort to enhance urban forestry projects nation-wide. Held at The New School, the conference provided a forum where more than 200 scientists, professors and students had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments on the socio-ecology of urban landscapes, green infrastructure and public health.
Co-produced by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and the United States Forest Service, this year’s MillionTreesNYC research symposium expanded on knowledge gathered from the spring 2009 workshop – MillionTreesNYC, Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecology: Building a Research Agenda, which was the first step in a broader process of integration among disciplines, researchers and practitioners working to understand and improve New York City’s environment and green infrastructure.
Grow your NeighbourWoods and help grow canopy from present 13%; Kelowna, Canada
Grow your NeighbourWoods Kelowna.com:
In its second year, the City’s NeighbourWoods project aims to increase Kelowna’s urban tree canopy by providing resilient trees to residents at a discount.
“We did an Urban Forest Effects study in 2007, something developed by the U.S. Forest Service to look at the structure and function of urban forests,” said Parks Services Manager Ian Wilson. “The model estimated some pretty significant energy savings and other great benefits of our urban forest, but it also pointed out that we don’t have much species diversity and that our canopy is only about 13 per cent.”
In its second year, the City’s NeighbourWoods project aims to increase Kelowna’s urban tree canopy by providing resilient trees to residents at a discount.
“We did an Urban Forest Effects study in 2007, something developed by the U.S. Forest Service to look at the structure and function of urban forests,” said Parks Services Manager Ian Wilson. “The model estimated some pretty significant energy savings and other great benefits of our urban forest, but it also pointed out that we don’t have much species diversity and that our canopy is only about 13 per cent.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
Council approves sector plan including tree canopy expansion; Prince George's County, MD
Sector plan targets mall and transit:
The Prince George's County District Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the preliminary Glenn Dale, Lanham and Seabrook sector plan and sectional map amendment that makes recommendations for the area's land use, historic preservation, transportation and parks.
The plan's recommendations are divided into short-term plans of one to five years and into long-term plans of five to 20 years.
Short-term plans include continuing the evaluation of historic sites throughout the planning area, including the buildings at the former Glenn Dale Hospital site, building a public library next to the Glenn Dale Community Center, evaluating stream corridors for blockages that may lead to flooding and considering pedestrians and bicyclists when designing new roads and making road improvements.
Long-term plans include increasing the urban tree canopy through vegetation along roads, in median strips and within neighborhoods; renovating or replacing facilities rated 'poor' by a 2008 physical conditions assessment, including the Howard B. Owens Science Center in Lanham; and widening Lanham-Severn Road to a four-lane road to decrease traffic congestion.
The Prince George's County District Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the preliminary Glenn Dale, Lanham and Seabrook sector plan and sectional map amendment that makes recommendations for the area's land use, historic preservation, transportation and parks.
The plan's recommendations are divided into short-term plans of one to five years and into long-term plans of five to 20 years.
Short-term plans include continuing the evaluation of historic sites throughout the planning area, including the buildings at the former Glenn Dale Hospital site, building a public library next to the Glenn Dale Community Center, evaluating stream corridors for blockages that may lead to flooding and considering pedestrians and bicyclists when designing new roads and making road improvements.
Long-term plans include increasing the urban tree canopy through vegetation along roads, in median strips and within neighborhoods; renovating or replacing facilities rated 'poor' by a 2008 physical conditions assessment, including the Howard B. Owens Science Center in Lanham; and widening Lanham-Severn Road to a four-lane road to decrease traffic congestion.
Speaking for the trees: Town amends policies; Lexington, MA
Speaking for the trees: Town amends policies - Lexington, MA - Lexington Minuteman:
Lexington — Just in time for spring, the town of Lexington has made three decisions related to trees:
- Yes to Norway maples
- Yes to setback planting
- Agreement reached with NSTAR
Lexington — Just in time for spring, the town of Lexington has made three decisions related to trees:
- Yes to Norway maples
- Yes to setback planting
- Agreement reached with NSTAR
Appeals court backs Forest Service's use of habitat area as proxy for endangered species population, allows thinning project to proceed; Redding, CA
Laws, Life, and Legal Matters - Court Cases and Legal Information at Leagle.com - All Federal and State Appeals Court Cases in One Search:
CONGRESS v. U.S. FOREST SERVICE
CONSERVATION CONGRESS; CITIZENS FOR BETTER FORESTRY; KAREN WILSON; MARY LEE STEFFENSEN, Plaintiffs-Appellants,
v.
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, Defendant-Appellee.
No. 09-16182.
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
Argued and Submitted February 12, 2010 — San Francisco, California.
Filed March 16, 2010.
Before: HALL and McKEOWN, Circuit Judges, and ZILLY,[ 1 ] Senior District Judge.
CONGRESS v. U.S. FOREST SERVICE
CONSERVATION CONGRESS; CITIZENS FOR BETTER FORESTRY; KAREN WILSON; MARY LEE STEFFENSEN, Plaintiffs-Appellants,
v.
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, Defendant-Appellee.
No. 09-16182.
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
Argued and Submitted February 12, 2010 — San Francisco, California.
Filed March 16, 2010.
Before: HALL and McKEOWN, Circuit Judges, and ZILLY,[ 1 ] Senior District Judge.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Citizen scientists needed to record phases of activity in trees to show climate change effects on life cycle; Georgia
Join the Urban Tree Phenology Project « Sustainable Community Forestry:
Wait . . . what is that?
Phenology is the scientific study of periodic natural phenomena (e.g. flowering or first leaf appearance) as these events are influenced by climate. Observation and collection of plant phenology data has been practiced for centuries in Japan, China and England. Today there is a vast network of individuals, worldwide recording plant, animal, bird, and insect observations. Now you can help by collecting information on urban trees. Scientists will use the data to monitor the change of seasons across a region and to document longer-term changes due to climate variations.
Wait . . . what is that?
Phenology is the scientific study of periodic natural phenomena (e.g. flowering or first leaf appearance) as these events are influenced by climate. Observation and collection of plant phenology data has been practiced for centuries in Japan, China and England. Today there is a vast network of individuals, worldwide recording plant, animal, bird, and insect observations. Now you can help by collecting information on urban trees. Scientists will use the data to monitor the change of seasons across a region and to document longer-term changes due to climate variations.
Tualatin Riverkeepers seek to establish county tree canopy goal, urban forest commission to keep it on track; Clackamas County, OR
Action Alert form Tualatin Riverkeepers:
Only 23% remains of the tree canopy in urban Clackamas County! A healthy urban tree canopy should be at least 40%. Help us pass a tree ordinance that will protect and enhance our tree canopy!
First Public Hearing: March 22nd, at 6:30 PM in the Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, before the County's Planning Commission. All letters and emails need to be received by the County no later than March 12to be included in their packet.
Only 23% remains of the tree canopy in urban Clackamas County! A healthy urban tree canopy should be at least 40%. Help us pass a tree ordinance that will protect and enhance our tree canopy!
First Public Hearing: March 22nd, at 6:30 PM in the Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, before the County's Planning Commission. All letters and emails need to be received by the County no later than March 12to be included in their packet.
Austin works on tree canopy increase plan; Austin, TX
Austin News: Getting It Done: More trees - AustinChronicle.com:
Increasing the city's tree canopy by 2030 was one verdant objective identified at the ACPP community charrette – an objective now in need of an action plan. Trees are a 'carbon sink' that absorbs CO2; when they shade buildings, they also reduce the energy needed for air conditioning.
Travis County currently has a tree canopy (as measured aerially by leafy coverage of land) of about 33%, according to city staffer Matt Hollon. The goal of increasing that by 50% translates to adding 16.5% more canopy. For simplicity's sake, call that 20% in 20 years – an increase of 1% annually. (Trees grow slowly, however, so significant canopy and shading is equally slow to materialize.) According to Mary Ann Neely, president of TreeFolks, a local nonprofit that promotes tree planting, achieving that goal will require a comprehensive program for new plantings, tree preservation, replantings, and care/watering/maintenance.
Increasing the city's tree canopy by 2030 was one verdant objective identified at the ACPP community charrette – an objective now in need of an action plan. Trees are a 'carbon sink' that absorbs CO2; when they shade buildings, they also reduce the energy needed for air conditioning.
Travis County currently has a tree canopy (as measured aerially by leafy coverage of land) of about 33%, according to city staffer Matt Hollon. The goal of increasing that by 50% translates to adding 16.5% more canopy. For simplicity's sake, call that 20% in 20 years – an increase of 1% annually. (Trees grow slowly, however, so significant canopy and shading is equally slow to materialize.) According to Mary Ann Neely, president of TreeFolks, a local nonprofit that promotes tree planting, achieving that goal will require a comprehensive program for new plantings, tree preservation, replantings, and care/watering/maintenance.
City Forester Jackson Bird in Beetle Battle to Save Trees; Bismarck, ND
Forestry Officials Fight to Save Trees on KFYR-TV North Dakota's NBC News Leader:
Two tree pests are threatening thousands of trees in Bismarck. And the city is paying close attention to both fights. One pest, Dutch Elm disease, is a fungus that is carried by a beetle. It`s already been found in the state. Another beetle problem is yet to come. And forestry officials are waging an all-out war to save the trees.
Bismarck City Forester Jackson Bird hopes the emerald ash borer on is desk is one of the only ones in all of North Dakota. That`s because it`s safely encased in rubbing alcohol, and not about to cause any damage to city trees.
'We know here in Bismarck we have 36 percent of our street trees as ash, so we know that it`s going to be a devastating thing when it gets here,' Bird says.
That`s a when, not an if. The beetle spreads through infested firewood, so forestry officials are charged with the difficult task of keeping every piece of wood from out of state out of North Dakota.
'It`s amazing what a couple beetles could do once they emerge and start populating the area,' Bird says.
Two tree pests are threatening thousands of trees in Bismarck. And the city is paying close attention to both fights. One pest, Dutch Elm disease, is a fungus that is carried by a beetle. It`s already been found in the state. Another beetle problem is yet to come. And forestry officials are waging an all-out war to save the trees.
Bismarck City Forester Jackson Bird hopes the emerald ash borer on is desk is one of the only ones in all of North Dakota. That`s because it`s safely encased in rubbing alcohol, and not about to cause any damage to city trees.
'We know here in Bismarck we have 36 percent of our street trees as ash, so we know that it`s going to be a devastating thing when it gets here,' Bird says.
That`s a when, not an if. The beetle spreads through infested firewood, so forestry officials are charged with the difficult task of keeping every piece of wood from out of state out of North Dakota.
'It`s amazing what a couple beetles could do once they emerge and start populating the area,' Bird says.
Green Portland apparently isn't green enough; Portland, OR
Green Portland apparently isn't green enough OregonLive.com:
Who knew Portland had tree envy?
About 26 percent of Portland is covered by tree leaves, branches and trunks, when viewed from above. San Antonio boasts 38 percent coverage and Atlanta nearly 37 percent, according to separate analyses by conservation group American Forests and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
'We're good, but we're not at the top,' said Brian Krieg, chairman of the citizen Urban Forestry Commission.
But the canopy question goes beyond mere competitiveness, as Portland hopes to finish a citywide tree proposal that will increase canopy coverage as well as streamline tree policies.
Who knew Portland had tree envy?
About 26 percent of Portland is covered by tree leaves, branches and trunks, when viewed from above. San Antonio boasts 38 percent coverage and Atlanta nearly 37 percent, according to separate analyses by conservation group American Forests and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
'We're good, but we're not at the top,' said Brian Krieg, chairman of the citizen Urban Forestry Commission.
But the canopy question goes beyond mere competitiveness, as Portland hopes to finish a citywide tree proposal that will increase canopy coverage as well as streamline tree policies.
Credit: Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
The city of Portland wants more large shady trees like these lining Southeast Reed College Place near Bybee Boulevard in Southeast Portland. Portland has 26 percent tree canopy coverage, behind cities such as Atlanta and San Antonio. The city’s new tree proposal, still in draft stage, wants to change that.
Angst over felled palm trees, allegations that tree protection laws were circumvented and conflicts of interest not addressed; Yass, Australia
Angst over felled palm trees - Local News - News - General - Yass Tribune:
The felling of two historic palm trees has sparked debate over Yass Valley Council’s processes for dealing with dead, dangerous or dying trees.
Former owner of the property Mark Wales is devastated by the loss of the palm trees, which he believes were planted in the late 1870s - early 1880s.
“They were fine examples of Canary Island date palms, probably introduced to Yass, along with many other exotic species, during the time when the Johnston's had a vegetable and fruit shop in Yass's main street,” he told the Tribune. “The Johnston's had connections to the Botanic Gardens in Sydney and were major contributors to the early development and shaping of Yass and the local environment,” he said.
'This makes a mockery of the Tree Preservation Order and effectively no trees in Yass are safe. The trees were a significant and iconic part of Yass and they are lost forever.' He intends to lodge a written complaint with council and take the matter to the NSW Ombudsman.
The felling of two historic palm trees has sparked debate over Yass Valley Council’s processes for dealing with dead, dangerous or dying trees.
Former owner of the property Mark Wales is devastated by the loss of the palm trees, which he believes were planted in the late 1870s - early 1880s.
“They were fine examples of Canary Island date palms, probably introduced to Yass, along with many other exotic species, during the time when the Johnston's had a vegetable and fruit shop in Yass's main street,” he told the Tribune. “The Johnston's had connections to the Botanic Gardens in Sydney and were major contributors to the early development and shaping of Yass and the local environment,” he said.
'This makes a mockery of the Tree Preservation Order and effectively no trees in Yass are safe. The trees were a significant and iconic part of Yass and they are lost forever.' He intends to lodge a written complaint with council and take the matter to the NSW Ombudsman.
Photo: Yass Tribune
The Urban Umbrella: Street Trees Stem Flash-flooding; London, England
The Urban Umbrella: Street Trees Stem Flash-flooding:
As the Xynthia storm batters Europe and southern England, recent studies compiled by the urban tree charity Trees for Cities have been finding that even the familiar London plane is protecting us from flooding more than previously thought.
The urban umbrella
City trees work in two ways: intercepting water at the canopy, and absorbing surface water through their roots. Rainwater is drawn up through the tree in the process of transpiration and it is eventually lost to the atmosphere through stomata on the underside of the leaves.
As the Xynthia storm batters Europe and southern England, recent studies compiled by the urban tree charity Trees for Cities have been finding that even the familiar London plane is protecting us from flooding more than previously thought.
The urban umbrella
City trees work in two ways: intercepting water at the canopy, and absorbing surface water through their roots. Rainwater is drawn up through the tree in the process of transpiration and it is eventually lost to the atmosphere through stomata on the underside of the leaves.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wilmington tree canopy effort bolstered by US Forest Service grant supporting site selection and planting of trees on public and private property; Wilmington, DE
Wilmington residents offered free trees delawareonline.com The News Journal:
Wilmington homeowners are eligible to have free trees planted on their properties as part of a new partnership between the Delaware Center for Horticulture and Trees for Wilmington.
The program, Say Yes to Free Trees!, is part of TFW's campaign to plant 20,000 trees by 2020 to increase the tree canopy in Wilmington, said Jen Bruhler, assistant director of urban forestry for the Delaware Center for Horticulture.Available to any resident and property owner within city limits, Say Yes to Free Trees! will recommend the best locations and types of trees for each property, then follow up with delivery and planting of the trees, all free of charge. The trees are not seedlings -- most are 7 to 12 feet tall.The program is funded through a grant from the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry program of the U.S. Forest Service and is expected to provide the free trees for two years.
Wilmington homeowners are eligible to have free trees planted on their properties as part of a new partnership between the Delaware Center for Horticulture and Trees for Wilmington.
The program, Say Yes to Free Trees!, is part of TFW's campaign to plant 20,000 trees by 2020 to increase the tree canopy in Wilmington, said Jen Bruhler, assistant director of urban forestry for the Delaware Center for Horticulture.Available to any resident and property owner within city limits, Say Yes to Free Trees! will recommend the best locations and types of trees for each property, then follow up with delivery and planting of the trees, all free of charge. The trees are not seedlings -- most are 7 to 12 feet tall.The program is funded through a grant from the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry program of the U.S. Forest Service and is expected to provide the free trees for two years.
A nature center is next step for trails; DeSoto County, MS
A nature center is next step for trails » The Commercial Appeal:
After setting up bridges and hiking trails meandering through the area, the 'logical next step' for DeSoto County Greenways is a nature and environmental center to link all the pieces together.
'We're pushing ahead pretty hard,' said Larry Jarrett, Greenways coordinator for the DeSoto County Economic Development Council. Gatherings this spring and summer will convey the Greenways message, and the pitch for funding to expand the Greenways vision already has reached all the way to Washington.
A presentation earlier this month to the state's congressional delegation on the proposed Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Center near Arkabutla Lake 'went very well and was well-received,' said Jarrett, who was part of the 27-member delegation from DeSoto.
After setting up bridges and hiking trails meandering through the area, the 'logical next step' for DeSoto County Greenways is a nature and environmental center to link all the pieces together.
'We're pushing ahead pretty hard,' said Larry Jarrett, Greenways coordinator for the DeSoto County Economic Development Council. Gatherings this spring and summer will convey the Greenways message, and the pitch for funding to expand the Greenways vision already has reached all the way to Washington.
A presentation earlier this month to the state's congressional delegation on the proposed Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Center near Arkabutla Lake 'went very well and was well-received,' said Jarrett, who was part of the 27-member delegation from DeSoto.
Mayoral candidate that blasted competitors for being too cozy with developers is now, as Mayor, calling for more flexibility with environmental compliance for developers; Charlotte, NC
Mayor Foxx reaches out to developers - CharlotteObserver.com: "In the final weeks of Anthony Foxx's campaign for Charlotte mayor last fall, Foxx attacked his opponent, John Lassiter, for being too cozy with developers. The state Democratic Party produced a piece of campaign mail that said Lassiter sided with developers, 'hanging homeowners out to dry.'
After three months as mayor, Foxx has softened his message - a shift that has concerned some supporters.
In a March 1 City Council meeting, he said he's heard 'horror stories' from developers about dealing with city regulations, and urged staff to have some flexibility."
After three months as mayor, Foxx has softened his message - a shift that has concerned some supporters.
In a March 1 City Council meeting, he said he's heard 'horror stories' from developers about dealing with city regulations, and urged staff to have some flexibility."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Goal to increase tree canopy by 20% revives age-old battle between trees and overhead utility lines; Somerville, MA
In Somerville, planting of young trees sparks concern - The Boston Globe:
With spring just around the corner, reader Janice Izenberg tells GlobeWatch that trees in her Somerville neighborhood seem to be headed for a dangerous entanglement with utility wires.
“The Somerville Public Works Department is doing a good job planting young trees where old ones fell due to rotting, wind storms, etc.,’’ Izenberg writes in an e-mail. “However, they have planted many of them directly below wiring, where careful placement could have avoided the wiring altogether.
“Take a look at the young tree planted in front of 50 Fairfax Street: oops! The top of the tree is about to hit some wires. Will they chop it off? When it’s older, will the wind down the wire lines?’’
During a visit earlier this week, a Globe reporter saw the tree in front of 50 Fairfax, and it is indeed just a few inches from the wires.
With spring just around the corner, reader Janice Izenberg tells GlobeWatch that trees in her Somerville neighborhood seem to be headed for a dangerous entanglement with utility wires.
“The Somerville Public Works Department is doing a good job planting young trees where old ones fell due to rotting, wind storms, etc.,’’ Izenberg writes in an e-mail. “However, they have planted many of them directly below wiring, where careful placement could have avoided the wiring altogether.
“Take a look at the young tree planted in front of 50 Fairfax Street: oops! The top of the tree is about to hit some wires. Will they chop it off? When it’s older, will the wind down the wire lines?’’
During a visit earlier this week, a Globe reporter saw the tree in front of 50 Fairfax, and it is indeed just a few inches from the wires.
Court-ordered removal of 16-metre silver maple could topple tree bylaw; Ottawa, Canada
16-metre silver maple could topple tree bylaw:
The City of Ottawa has been ordered to remove a 16-metre silver maple tree from a downtown property in what appears to be the first court decision that involves the way the municipality tries to preserve urban trees.
Court records obtained by the Citizen indicate that John and Marie Guinan, who own a house on York Street, argued the tree’s roots are causing foundation damage. The Guinans have successfully challenged a city bylaw that doesn’t allow the removal of a healthy city tree for causing such damage. The Guinans could not be reached for comment Friday night.
City lawyers are considering an appeal after an Ontario Superior Court justice granted an injunction requiring the tree’s removal.
The City of Ottawa has been ordered to remove a 16-metre silver maple tree from a downtown property in what appears to be the first court decision that involves the way the municipality tries to preserve urban trees.
Court records obtained by the Citizen indicate that John and Marie Guinan, who own a house on York Street, argued the tree’s roots are causing foundation damage. The Guinans have successfully challenged a city bylaw that doesn’t allow the removal of a healthy city tree for causing such damage. The Guinans could not be reached for comment Friday night.
City lawyers are considering an appeal after an Ontario Superior Court justice granted an injunction requiring the tree’s removal.
Study finds no connection between tree canopy cover and respiratory health; Tampa, FL
URBAN TREE COVER DISTRIBUTION AS A HUMAN HEALTH INDICATOR: A CASE STUDY OF TAMPA, FLORIDA — Emerging Issues Along Urban-Rural Interfaces: "Trends in land cover (e.g. tree canopy cover) are an indicator for environmental and human health outcomes. Yet with these initial observations, there is limited research on this topic in urban areas. Likewise, trees are hypothesized to reduce air pollutants through dry deposition and uptake of gaseous pollutants through the stomata. Through this function, urban forests and their encompassing canopy cover present opportunities to improve air quality. While increasing tree cover has been proposed to reduce exposure to pollutants, thus improving public health, limited research has been conducted to test this hypothesis. This project examines if tree cover improves public health by reducing atmospheric pollutants in Tampa, Florida. Tree cover data was provided in a study conducted by Michael Andreu and his colleagues at the University of Florida. Other data was categorized by respiratory health status, zip code, census percent poverty level and compared to tree cover using the Spearman rank and Pearson correlation coefficients. There was no correlation between overall respiratory health and the percent of tree canopy cover (r = 0.01). When stratified by income, some low income areas with low tree canopy cover exhibited a higher incidence of overall respiratory health outcomes whereas high income areas with high tree cover exhibited low incidence in overall health outcomes. Further research, using the Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) model, will be conducted to for a more complete analysis (including data on income, race/ethnicity, and gender) on the relationship between tree cover with respiratory and cardiovascular human health outcomes in the urban environment."
Suwanee to present final Buford Highway plan; Suwanee, GA
Suwanee to present final Buford Highway plan ajc.com:
The plan envisions the highway as a pedestrian-friendly, two-lane local route. It would have bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaped medians, additional turn lanes and signal controls.
The city hopes the route would enhance the connection between historic Old Town and Town Center and help preserve the roadway’s tree canopy.
The plan envisions the highway as a pedestrian-friendly, two-lane local route. It would have bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaped medians, additional turn lanes and signal controls.
The city hopes the route would enhance the connection between historic Old Town and Town Center and help preserve the roadway’s tree canopy.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Study: More Kootenai Co. trees could save some green; Kootenai County, ID
Study: More Kootenai Co. trees could save some green Mar 12, 2010 DownToEarthNW.com:
Urban areas in Kootenai County have room for at least 600,000 more trees, according to a recent study that touts the benefits of leafy neighborhoods and shaded roadways.
City trees are more than eye candy on the landscape, the study says. They’re versatile performers – saving energy, filtering air pollution, soaking up storm water and protecting the purity of the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
“Intuitively, we know it. You stand under a tree on a hot summer day and it is cooler,” said David Stephenson, who works in community forestry for the Idaho Department of Lands.
Urban areas in Kootenai County have room for at least 600,000 more trees, according to a recent study that touts the benefits of leafy neighborhoods and shaded roadways.
City trees are more than eye candy on the landscape, the study says. They’re versatile performers – saving energy, filtering air pollution, soaking up storm water and protecting the purity of the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
“Intuitively, we know it. You stand under a tree on a hot summer day and it is cooler,” said David Stephenson, who works in community forestry for the Idaho Department of Lands.
$50,000 grant will help school students conduct tree inventory, calculate tree benefits; Grand Rapids, MI
Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers - Press Releases:
The Giving Tree Program of Our Community’s Children is a project focused on green industries and environmental issues. Participants will complete a comprehensive tree inventory within their own southeast neighborhood in Grand Rapids. They will measure and plot the location of trees, provide tree maintenance where necessary, and educate residents about the economic and energy-saving values of healthy trees. This program is especially note-worthy because the students will provide a much-needed service that the city would likely be unable to provide itself, and it will educate students to be good stewards of the environment.
The Giving Tree Program of Our Community’s Children is a project focused on green industries and environmental issues. Participants will complete a comprehensive tree inventory within their own southeast neighborhood in Grand Rapids. They will measure and plot the location of trees, provide tree maintenance where necessary, and educate residents about the economic and energy-saving values of healthy trees. This program is especially note-worthy because the students will provide a much-needed service that the city would likely be unable to provide itself, and it will educate students to be good stewards of the environment.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
2025 vision includes tree lined streets, ample tree canopy; Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Mirror:
The elegant and welcoming gardens and park in front of City Hall are very busy this summer Saturday in the year 2025. A jazz concert is the center of activity, with people sitting on blankets on the lawn and listening to the music. Nearby, children who live in the Civic Center Village are playing a game of tag between the trees. The day is warm and clear. There is a view all the way to the ocean and the horizon. It’s a postcard Santa Monica moment.
To get to the park, Santa Monicans walked on wide, tree lined sidewalks, rode their bikes or took local jitneys. Visitors from really, everywhere, came by light rail; some to the park, some to the beach, some to shop at Bloomingdales or Nordstrom’s at Santa Monica Place or at the 3rd Street Promenade, and some to eat in Santa Monica’s restaurants. Others came along tree lined boulevards, by car and have parked their cars in a central location, planning to spend the day and to get around by walking, renting a bike, or by using the fun, local transportation.
Are you wondering if I’ve been reading too much Alice in Wonderland? In fact, I’ve been reading the Santa Monica Draft Land Use and Circulation Element, affectionately called ‘the LUCE.’
The elegant and welcoming gardens and park in front of City Hall are very busy this summer Saturday in the year 2025. A jazz concert is the center of activity, with people sitting on blankets on the lawn and listening to the music. Nearby, children who live in the Civic Center Village are playing a game of tag between the trees. The day is warm and clear. There is a view all the way to the ocean and the horizon. It’s a postcard Santa Monica moment.
To get to the park, Santa Monicans walked on wide, tree lined sidewalks, rode their bikes or took local jitneys. Visitors from really, everywhere, came by light rail; some to the park, some to the beach, some to shop at Bloomingdales or Nordstrom’s at Santa Monica Place or at the 3rd Street Promenade, and some to eat in Santa Monica’s restaurants. Others came along tree lined boulevards, by car and have parked their cars in a central location, planning to spend the day and to get around by walking, renting a bike, or by using the fun, local transportation.
Are you wondering if I’ve been reading too much Alice in Wonderland? In fact, I’ve been reading the Santa Monica Draft Land Use and Circulation Element, affectionately called ‘the LUCE.’
Tree proposal sprouts opposition; Montclair, NJ
NorthJersey.com: Tree proposal sprouts opposition:
A tree trunk lies along a Frink Street driveway. A municipal advisory group wants to require residents to obtain permits before removing trees on private property.
The Township Council could require Montclair property owners to seek approval before cutting down trees on their land.
A tree preservation ordinance proposed by the Montclair Environmental Commission is making its way through legal review. If approved by the council, it would then establish regulations for tree care on public and private property in Montclair.
As drafted, the ordinance requires homeowners to pay for permits to cut down trees on their land and participate in a tree replacement program, according to commission member James Sherman, the commission’s point person for the tree ordinance.
A tree trunk lies along a Frink Street driveway. A municipal advisory group wants to require residents to obtain permits before removing trees on private property.
The Township Council could require Montclair property owners to seek approval before cutting down trees on their land.
A tree preservation ordinance proposed by the Montclair Environmental Commission is making its way through legal review. If approved by the council, it would then establish regulations for tree care on public and private property in Montclair.
As drafted, the ordinance requires homeowners to pay for permits to cut down trees on their land and participate in a tree replacement program, according to commission member James Sherman, the commission’s point person for the tree ordinance.
STAFF PHOTO BY ADAM ANIK
THE PEOPLE SPEAK: Topping not good way to prune trees; Muskogee, OK
MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK - THE PEOPLE SPEAK: Topping not good way to prune trees: Spring is on the way, and with it some homeowners feel the need to have a tree service prune their trees.
Sometimes, unfortunately, this results in the tree being topped. Tree topping is the severe cutting back of a tree’s canopy, leaving the tree disfigured, open to disease and insect damage, and unable to produce food for itself.
Sometimes, unfortunately, this results in the tree being topped. Tree topping is the severe cutting back of a tree’s canopy, leaving the tree disfigured, open to disease and insect damage, and unable to produce food for itself.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ideas pitched to strengthen the tree bylaw; Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Ideas pitched to strengthen the tree bylaw - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA:
A small but hardy band of arboreal advocates came out Tuesday in a bid to strengthen the city's nine-year-old bylaw protecting trees in private woodlots.
About 40 residents, many of them involved in the original quest to get city council to approve the bylaw in 2001, attended a public meeting in the Mohawk Park Pavilion. They presented ideas to strengthen the bylaw against the possibility of wholesale cutting, expand the city's tree canopy, and extend its provisions to include 'heritage' trees not necessarily in woodlots.
It was clear from the comments of many that irresponsible developers remain the biggest enemy, just as they were in 2001.
A small but hardy band of arboreal advocates came out Tuesday in a bid to strengthen the city's nine-year-old bylaw protecting trees in private woodlots.
About 40 residents, many of them involved in the original quest to get city council to approve the bylaw in 2001, attended a public meeting in the Mohawk Park Pavilion. They presented ideas to strengthen the bylaw against the possibility of wholesale cutting, expand the city's tree canopy, and extend its provisions to include 'heritage' trees not necessarily in woodlots.
It was clear from the comments of many that irresponsible developers remain the biggest enemy, just as they were in 2001.
Weird Numbers Part 2: The Natural Heritage Strategy Tree Replacement Equation or ‘Two Tens for a Five Anybody?’; Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Weird Numbers Part 2: The Natural Heritage Strategy Tree Replacement Equation or ‘Two Tens for a Five Anybody?’ « Royal City Rag:
The Draft Natural Heritage Strategy includes a tree replacement policy that contains two components. The first compenent establishes that any trees removed must be replaced and introduces an equation to calculate the replacement value of a given tree. The second, introduces the concept of cash in lieu of trees.
Unfortunately, the first component is nonsensical while the second is meaningless.
The current draft policies require that if a tree is removed trees totaling an equal diameter must replace it. The example below will demonstrate the absurdity of this mathematical reasoning.
The Draft Natural Heritage Strategy includes a tree replacement policy that contains two components. The first compenent establishes that any trees removed must be replaced and introduces an equation to calculate the replacement value of a given tree. The second, introduces the concept of cash in lieu of trees.
Unfortunately, the first component is nonsensical while the second is meaningless.
The current draft policies require that if a tree is removed trees totaling an equal diameter must replace it. The example below will demonstrate the absurdity of this mathematical reasoning.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Casey Trees' DC Tree Summit seeks to increase capital's canopy; Washington, DC
DC Tree Summit seeks to increase capital's canopy Washington Examiner:
How to increase the capital's tree canopy will be the subject of a tree summit later this month.
The March 25 summit is being organized by Casey Trees, a Washington-based not-for-profit committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation's Capital.
Increasing tree canopy coverage has a number of environmental benefits. Trees not only provide shade, helping keep cities cooler and saving on air conditioning costs, they also help control runoff and improve air quality, among other benefits.
How to increase the capital's tree canopy will be the subject of a tree summit later this month.
The March 25 summit is being organized by Casey Trees, a Washington-based not-for-profit committed to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the nation's Capital.
Increasing tree canopy coverage has a number of environmental benefits. Trees not only provide shade, helping keep cities cooler and saving on air conditioning costs, they also help control runoff and improve air quality, among other benefits.
Jamestown Community College named Tree Campus USA college; Jamestown, NY
JCC named Tree Campus USA college - ObserverToday.com News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Dunkirk The Observer:
The Arbor Day Foundation has announced that Jamestown Community College is a 2009 Tree Campus USA college for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.
JCC is the first community college in New York to be named a Tree Campus USA college. JCC's Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses and North County Center are included in the designation.Bard College and Cornell University were the other New York state schools named to the Tree Campus USA list.
Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and the leaders of the campus and surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship.
The effort to obtain the National Arbor Day recognition was led by JCC biology faculty members Jan Bowman and Becky Nystrom, certified arborist Lori Brockelbank, and JCC students Jay Card, Jonathan Willow, Matthew Lerow, Allison Carey, and Alyssa Skinner.
The Arbor Day Foundation has announced that Jamestown Community College is a 2009 Tree Campus USA college for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.
JCC is the first community college in New York to be named a Tree Campus USA college. JCC's Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses and North County Center are included in the designation.Bard College and Cornell University were the other New York state schools named to the Tree Campus USA list.
Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and the leaders of the campus and surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship.
The effort to obtain the National Arbor Day recognition was led by JCC biology faculty members Jan Bowman and Becky Nystrom, certified arborist Lori Brockelbank, and JCC students Jay Card, Jonathan Willow, Matthew Lerow, Allison Carey, and Alyssa Skinner.
Roanoke shrinks carbon footprint, exceeds tree canopy goal of growing from 32% to 48%; Roanoke, VA
OPINION: Shrinking Roanoke's footprint:
Roanoke City Council members got one of their first looks at the city's progress in its efforts to decrease the size of its carbon footprint.
Sean McGinnis, director of Virginia Tech's Green Engineering program, presented a report recently assessing the city's carbon emissions in 2008 and comparing those emissions to 2005's baseline.
The upshot of the technical report: Emissions in 2008 were down very slightly from 2005. That's good news tempered by a couple of unknowns: how much of the reduction was due to that year's mild winter and the then-deepening recession.
The reduction, a tiny 0.7 percent dip, is better than an increase, of course. But McGinnis noted in his report that council has set a goal of dropping emissions by 2 percent a year.
Roanoke City Council members got one of their first looks at the city's progress in its efforts to decrease the size of its carbon footprint.
Sean McGinnis, director of Virginia Tech's Green Engineering program, presented a report recently assessing the city's carbon emissions in 2008 and comparing those emissions to 2005's baseline.
The upshot of the technical report: Emissions in 2008 were down very slightly from 2005. That's good news tempered by a couple of unknowns: how much of the reduction was due to that year's mild winter and the then-deepening recession.
The reduction, a tiny 0.7 percent dip, is better than an increase, of course. But McGinnis noted in his report that council has set a goal of dropping emissions by 2 percent a year.
Greenwood Tree Board announces Arbor Day poster contest winners; Greenwood, MI
Greenwood Commonwealth > Archives > Lifestyle > Features > Trees are terrific:
When we think about what trees do for people most of us think about the shade they provide on a hot sunny day or a place to hang a swing for playtime.
As fifth-graders at Greenwood schools learned this Arbor Day, trees do more for us and our environment than we can merely see, such as absorbing carbon dioxide, making oxygen and cooling the air.
The Greenwood Tree Board recognized the environmentally conscious occasion by visiting those students to remind them of the importance of urban forestry and promote the annual fifth-grade poster contest.
When we think about what trees do for people most of us think about the shade they provide on a hot sunny day or a place to hang a swing for playtime.
As fifth-graders at Greenwood schools learned this Arbor Day, trees do more for us and our environment than we can merely see, such as absorbing carbon dioxide, making oxygen and cooling the air.
The Greenwood Tree Board recognized the environmentally conscious occasion by visiting those students to remind them of the importance of urban forestry and promote the annual fifth-grade poster contest.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Whose fruit is it anyway? HI
Fruits of labor - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com:
A neighbor's fruit tree canopy extends significantly into our yard and creates an abundance of work and green waste for us to handle. Often more of the canopy is overhanging our yard (and other neighbors') than the trunk owner's yard. For more than 20 years, the tree owner concurred that the neighbors owned the fruit over their yards. But the owner recently sold, and the new owner seems to feel differently. Any 'right of way' or 'common law' created by long-term previous activity? Who is entitled to the fruit that grows over onto our yard? Considering we have to do the cleanup, it would seem that we should be entitled to some, if not all, of the fruit.
A neighbor's fruit tree canopy extends significantly into our yard and creates an abundance of work and green waste for us to handle. Often more of the canopy is overhanging our yard (and other neighbors') than the trunk owner's yard. For more than 20 years, the tree owner concurred that the neighbors owned the fruit over their yards. But the owner recently sold, and the new owner seems to feel differently. Any 'right of way' or 'common law' created by long-term previous activity? Who is entitled to the fruit that grows over onto our yard? Considering we have to do the cleanup, it would seem that we should be entitled to some, if not all, of the fruit.
Plantation is Tree City USA for 30th year in a row; Plantation, FL
Plantation is Tree City USA for 30th year in a row - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com:
Amid plans for a parade, 5K, crafts, music and exhibits at the Green Day! Environmental Expo, perhaps the most exciting event for the day is the presentation of Plantation's 30th year being certified as Tree City USA.
'It's a very distinct honor to be certified as a Tree City USA, especially for 30 consecutive years,' said Sue Reed, Plantation's executive secretary. 'This is a very special milestone for the city of Plantation, so there will be a big celebration.'
The certification is given by the Arbor Day Foundation and standards for qualifying are based on the city having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per person, and observing Arbor Day.
Amid plans for a parade, 5K, crafts, music and exhibits at the Green Day! Environmental Expo, perhaps the most exciting event for the day is the presentation of Plantation's 30th year being certified as Tree City USA.
'It's a very distinct honor to be certified as a Tree City USA, especially for 30 consecutive years,' said Sue Reed, Plantation's executive secretary. 'This is a very special milestone for the city of Plantation, so there will be a big celebration.'
The certification is given by the Arbor Day Foundation and standards for qualifying are based on the city having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per person, and observing Arbor Day.
Urban and community forests of the North Central East region: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
Urban and community forests of the North Central East region: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin: This report details how land cover and urbanization vary within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin by community (incorporated and census designated places), county subdivision, and county. Specifically this report provides critical urban and community forestry information for each state including human population characteristics and trends, changes in urban and community lands, tree canopy and impervious surface cover characteristics, distribution of land-cover classes, a relative comparison of urban and community forests among local government types, determination of priority areas for tree planting, and a summary of urban tree benefits. Report information can improve the understanding, management, and planning of urban and community forests.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden experiences worst damage in 50 years, loses prized tree in snowstorm; New York, NY
Brooklyn Botanic Garden takes damage in snowstorm, loses prized tree:
Last week's blizzard inflicted some of the worst damage on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in decades, forcing the conservatory to close for three days.
The heavy snowfall snapped tree branches and toppled a prized, century-old Cedar of Lebanon. The risk of falling limbs injuring visitors - like the fatal accident in Central Park last Thursday - prompted Botanic Garden officials to shut the park while landscapers removed broken boughs.
'This is probably the worst damage the garden has had in 50 years from snowfall,' said Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Scott Medbury.
Last week's blizzard inflicted some of the worst damage on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in decades, forcing the conservatory to close for three days.
The heavy snowfall snapped tree branches and toppled a prized, century-old Cedar of Lebanon. The risk of falling limbs injuring visitors - like the fatal accident in Central Park last Thursday - prompted Botanic Garden officials to shut the park while landscapers removed broken boughs.
'This is probably the worst damage the garden has had in 50 years from snowfall,' said Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Scott Medbury.
Tree lovers rooting for new branches; Terre Haute, IN
Tree lovers rooting for new branches » News » Terre Haute News, Terre Haute, Indiana- TribStar.com: Near month’s end, at least 150 volunteers will embark on the planting of 100 shade trees along Terre Haute’s historic Ohio Boulevard to help restore a residential tree canopy
The effort is a partnership between the City of Terre Haute and Trees Inc., a nonprofit organization celebrating 20 years of regreening and beautifying the city through the planting of trees.
City officials early this week awarded a $20,050 contract to Hank Metzger Landscape Inc. to provide 100 shade trees. Specifically, the planting will include 25 red oak trees; 15 scarlet oaks; 20 shumard oaks; 20 halka variety of gingko trees; 10 accolade elm trees; and 10 bloodgood variety London plane trees.
The effort is a partnership between the City of Terre Haute and Trees Inc., a nonprofit organization celebrating 20 years of regreening and beautifying the city through the planting of trees.
City officials early this week awarded a $20,050 contract to Hank Metzger Landscape Inc. to provide 100 shade trees. Specifically, the planting will include 25 red oak trees; 15 scarlet oaks; 20 shumard oaks; 20 halka variety of gingko trees; 10 accolade elm trees; and 10 bloodgood variety London plane trees.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tree Debate Leaves Both Sides Frustrated; Boerne, TX
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/86044402.html?ua=i&c=y
Amid suggestions of obstructionism and an anti-growth agenda, Boerne residents engaged in verbal combat over the city's tree ordinance at the Feb. 23 City Council meeting.
The discussion was prompted by what a property owner described as trespassing by City Councilman Rob Ziegler on Feb. 7, as a multi-acre tract of land on South School Street zoned for commercial development was partially bulldozed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Amid suggestions of obstructionism and an anti-growth agenda, Boerne residents engaged in verbal combat over the city's tree ordinance at the Feb. 23 City Council meeting.
The discussion was prompted by what a property owner described as trespassing by City Councilman Rob Ziegler on Feb. 7, as a multi-acre tract of land on South School Street zoned for commercial development was partially bulldozed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sackets Harbor offering four kinds of trees for sale as part of fundraiser; Sackets Harbor, NY
Watertown Daily Times Sackets Harbor offering four kinds of trees for sale as part of fundraiser:
Northern red oaks, swamp white oaks, Eastern redbuds and sugar maples will start to help shade and beautify the village as soon as the ground thaws.
The village tree committee has launched a tree fundraiser in an effort to build up the committee's fund balance and is offering for sale a selection of four different kinds of trees.
'Anyone can buy the trees,' said Kelly E. Reinhardt, chairwoman of the committee. 'The trees are easy to plant and will reach the height of surrounding trees quickly. The trees are good for maintaining temperature in the summer and they can increase property value.'
In previous years, the committee has planted trees in the village-owned margins of residents' front yards, free of charge, for people who requested them, she said.
Northern red oaks, swamp white oaks, Eastern redbuds and sugar maples will start to help shade and beautify the village as soon as the ground thaws.
The village tree committee has launched a tree fundraiser in an effort to build up the committee's fund balance and is offering for sale a selection of four different kinds of trees.
'Anyone can buy the trees,' said Kelly E. Reinhardt, chairwoman of the committee. 'The trees are easy to plant and will reach the height of surrounding trees quickly. The trees are good for maintaining temperature in the summer and they can increase property value.'
In previous years, the committee has planted trees in the village-owned margins of residents' front yards, free of charge, for people who requested them, she said.
The city replaceth what the utility taketh away; Tampa, FL
Seminole Heights gets more trees:
Four 'little gem' magnolias are taking root on the front lawns of homes on East Fern Street in Seminole Heights. Over on Miami Avenue, more than 10 magnolias, red maples and winged elms are the newest landscape eye-candy.
The greenery, within the city's right of way, is from a free city-sponsored tree planting program promoted in the neighborhood with a little help from the nonprofit Old Seminole Heights Preservation Consortium.
'It's a nice partnership,' said Peter Spanos, the consortium's tree committee chairman.
Spanos said he hand-delivered about 100 letters asking residents if they wanted trees. About 20 people responded. An email elicited even more tree requests.
In the next weeks more than 80 homes will receive about 100 trees.
In September many residents were horrified as swaths of tree canopy were cut away by contractors with Tampa Electric Co. TECO officials said it was a public safety issue to get tree branches away from overhead power lines.
Four 'little gem' magnolias are taking root on the front lawns of homes on East Fern Street in Seminole Heights. Over on Miami Avenue, more than 10 magnolias, red maples and winged elms are the newest landscape eye-candy.
The greenery, within the city's right of way, is from a free city-sponsored tree planting program promoted in the neighborhood with a little help from the nonprofit Old Seminole Heights Preservation Consortium.
'It's a nice partnership,' said Peter Spanos, the consortium's tree committee chairman.
Spanos said he hand-delivered about 100 letters asking residents if they wanted trees. About 20 people responded. An email elicited even more tree requests.
In the next weeks more than 80 homes will receive about 100 trees.
In September many residents were horrified as swaths of tree canopy were cut away by contractors with Tampa Electric Co. TECO officials said it was a public safety issue to get tree branches away from overhead power lines.
Middlebury College uses Google Earth to share campus tree map; Middlebury, VT
Campus Tree Map updated « The Middlebury Landscape:
I’ve posted a new export of the campus tree map Google Earth file, on the Campus Tree map page. I’ve added quite a few more campus trees to it, and the official count now stands at 2279. There are a couple of more locations I would like to map, and quite a few more pictures I’d like to find the time to take. This iteration, though, is pretty close to complete.
I risked the potato chips in the keyboard, brushed off my math skills, and starting looking at our tree population in Excel over lunch(es). I’m no spreadsheet guru, but the information I pulled out is interesting, and tells me we’re pointed in the right direction in our urban forest here.
I’ve posted a new export of the campus tree map Google Earth file, on the Campus Tree map page. I’ve added quite a few more campus trees to it, and the official count now stands at 2279. There are a couple of more locations I would like to map, and quite a few more pictures I’d like to find the time to take. This iteration, though, is pretty close to complete.
I risked the potato chips in the keyboard, brushed off my math skills, and starting looking at our tree population in Excel over lunch(es). I’m no spreadsheet guru, but the information I pulled out is interesting, and tells me we’re pointed in the right direction in our urban forest here.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
FIU earns state’s first Tree Campus USA designation; Miami-Dade, FL
FIU earns state’s first Tree Campus USA designation News at FIU - Florida International University:
With a native pigeon plum tree festooned with blue and gold ribbons serving as the backdrop, university and environmental leaders gathered Feb. 23 at Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) to celebrate FIU’s newly earned status as a Tree Campus USA university.
FIU is the first university in Florida to earn the coveted designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The initiative was spearheaded by Biscayne Bay Campus faculty, administrators and students and moves forward the work of the university’s Sustainability Committee.
With a native pigeon plum tree festooned with blue and gold ribbons serving as the backdrop, university and environmental leaders gathered Feb. 23 at Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) to celebrate FIU’s newly earned status as a Tree Campus USA university.
FIU is the first university in Florida to earn the coveted designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The initiative was spearheaded by Biscayne Bay Campus faculty, administrators and students and moves forward the work of the university’s Sustainability Committee.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Rocking the (tree) house - Rap Music Brings Science to Urban Youth; Olympia, WA
Rap Music Brings Science to Urban Youth « The EQ -:
George “Duke” Brady, a rapper from California, took my forest ecology class at Evergreen State College some years ago. During our class field trips to the Olympic Peninsula, I introduced him to the ecology of temperate rain forests.
One day, during a spontaneous moment on a field trip, Duke inadvertently introduced a new way for me — a middle-aged, middle-income, female scientist — to reach inner-city youths and interest them in trees, nature and science.
George “Duke” Brady, a rapper from California, took my forest ecology class at Evergreen State College some years ago. During our class field trips to the Olympic Peninsula, I introduced him to the ecology of temperate rain forests.
One day, during a spontaneous moment on a field trip, Duke inadvertently introduced a new way for me — a middle-aged, middle-income, female scientist — to reach inner-city youths and interest them in trees, nature and science.
City gives away 3,000 trees; Rocky Mount, NC
The Rocky Mount Telegram:
For many years, three towering pecan trees shaded Gwendolyn Archabell’s East Rocky Mount home from summer heat and gave her yard character during the fall and spring. Since Hurricane Floyd uprooted the trees 10 years ago, Archabell said Monday, something has been missing.
Archabell was one of a few hundred people who picked up two free crepe myrtle saplings on the first day of the annual Rocky Mount Tree Giveaway at City Hall.
“I hope these will bring a little shade back to the yard and maybe a little color, too,” Archabell said.
The tree giveaway, which runs through 5 p.m. today, is being held by the Rocky Mount Tree Advisory Board in collaboration with the city utilities department and Keep America Beautiful.
For many years, three towering pecan trees shaded Gwendolyn Archabell’s East Rocky Mount home from summer heat and gave her yard character during the fall and spring. Since Hurricane Floyd uprooted the trees 10 years ago, Archabell said Monday, something has been missing.
Archabell was one of a few hundred people who picked up two free crepe myrtle saplings on the first day of the annual Rocky Mount Tree Giveaway at City Hall.
“I hope these will bring a little shade back to the yard and maybe a little color, too,” Archabell said.
The tree giveaway, which runs through 5 p.m. today, is being held by the Rocky Mount Tree Advisory Board in collaboration with the city utilities department and Keep America Beautiful.
Op ed piece questions proposed tree ordinance, cites Council champion's reservations; Chapel Hill, NC
chapelhillnews.com Up the wrong tree:
When even Jim Ward questions the wisdom of the proposed new regulations restricting tree-cutting in Chapel Hill, you have to take notice.
Ward, a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council, is also curator at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. His tree-loving credentials are unimpeachable.
But even Ward has strong doubts about the proposed new ordinance. It looks, he said, 'like a very, very blunt instrument that is perhaps overreaching what we need to do.'
When even Jim Ward questions the wisdom of the proposed new regulations restricting tree-cutting in Chapel Hill, you have to take notice.
Ward, a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council, is also curator at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. His tree-loving credentials are unimpeachable.
But even Ward has strong doubts about the proposed new ordinance. It looks, he said, 'like a very, very blunt instrument that is perhaps overreaching what we need to do.'
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friendship Park’s new design to remove impervious surfaces, plant more trees; Jacksonville, FL
Friendship Park’s new design presented and approved - The Daily Record - Jacksonville, Florida:
As soon as it opened more than 40 years ago, Friendship Park on the Southbank instantly became a landmark and an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The most popular part of the experience was the fountain, which at the time was touted by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce as the largest in the world.
The “water feature,” as fountains are known in the parlance these days, boasted a mechanically-choreographed show that lasted about 10 minutes and included a jet of water that rose more than 100 feet in the center of the pool.
Over the years the fountain fell into disrepair and the expanse of concrete that surrounded it became less attractive as a recreation option.
As soon as it opened more than 40 years ago, Friendship Park on the Southbank instantly became a landmark and an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The most popular part of the experience was the fountain, which at the time was touted by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce as the largest in the world.
The “water feature,” as fountains are known in the parlance these days, boasted a mechanically-choreographed show that lasted about 10 minutes and included a jet of water that rose more than 100 feet in the center of the pool.
Over the years the fountain fell into disrepair and the expanse of concrete that surrounded it became less attractive as a recreation option.
Expect delays on Vineyard Boulevard while workers remove a tree at botanical garden; Honolulu, HI
Expect delays on Vineyard Boulevard while workers remove a tree at botanical garden honoluluadvertiser.com The Honolulu Advertiser:
Motorists should expect delays tomorrow through Wednesday while workers remove a decaying Parkia tree at Foster Botanical Garden.
Removal work will begin tomorrow on the tree that is near the road on Vineyard Boulevard between Nuuanu Avenue and the Maunakea gate, officials said.
An independent arborist determined that the tree has substantial decay. The findings were confirmed by the state Urban Forestry Division's horticulturist and arborist. The tree's canopy overhangs all six lanes of Vineyard Boulevard and city Department of Parks and Recreation offices.
Motorists should expect delays tomorrow through Wednesday while workers remove a decaying Parkia tree at Foster Botanical Garden.
Removal work will begin tomorrow on the tree that is near the road on Vineyard Boulevard between Nuuanu Avenue and the Maunakea gate, officials said.
An independent arborist determined that the tree has substantial decay. The findings were confirmed by the state Urban Forestry Division's horticulturist and arborist. The tree's canopy overhangs all six lanes of Vineyard Boulevard and city Department of Parks and Recreation offices.
Expert arborists compete in tree climbing competition; Athens, GA
Local tree competition puts the ‘limb’ in ‘climb’ The Red and Black:
Patty Jenkins began climbing trees when she fell in love.
“I married the guy who founded the sport,” she said. “I met him somewhere, he pulled a baby squirrel out of his pocket, and he thinks that’s what won my heart.”
Years later, she’s the head administrator for Tree Climbers International, an educational group dedicated to teaching tree climbing safety. Her husband, Peter Jenkins, opened the world’s first tree climbing school in Atlanta in 1983.
Tree Climbers International partnered with the Georgia Arborist Association to organize the GAA Professional Tree Climbing Competition Saturday at Whitehall Forest in Athens.
Five groups of professional climbers participated in various arboreal challenges designed to test their abilities to maneuver up the trunk and in the tree canopy.
Patty Jenkins began climbing trees when she fell in love.
“I married the guy who founded the sport,” she said. “I met him somewhere, he pulled a baby squirrel out of his pocket, and he thinks that’s what won my heart.”
Years later, she’s the head administrator for Tree Climbers International, an educational group dedicated to teaching tree climbing safety. Her husband, Peter Jenkins, opened the world’s first tree climbing school in Atlanta in 1983.
Tree Climbers International partnered with the Georgia Arborist Association to organize the GAA Professional Tree Climbing Competition Saturday at Whitehall Forest in Athens.
Five groups of professional climbers participated in various arboreal challenges designed to test their abilities to maneuver up the trunk and in the tree canopy.
Marrickville Greens issue tree policy for community-includes goal of 10% more tree canopy; Marrickville, Australia
Greens tree policy « Marrickville & Petersham-Newtown Greens:
The Greens seek to expand Marrickville’s urban tree canopy and to enrich public spaces with trees, understory planting, bush pockets and landscaping, providing amenity to residents and increasing habitat for native animal species.
The Greens vision is to encourage and facilitate council and residents to plant more trees, larger trees and more endemic and native trees and to protect and maintain the existing tree stock.
We see a Marrickville that is shady and fresh where trees enhance the urban environment providing relief from traffic, industrial activity, urban infrastructure and pollution. The Greens want to reduce the heat of our summers and help fight climate change.
The Greens seek to expand Marrickville’s urban tree canopy and to enrich public spaces with trees, understory planting, bush pockets and landscaping, providing amenity to residents and increasing habitat for native animal species.
The Greens vision is to encourage and facilitate council and residents to plant more trees, larger trees and more endemic and native trees and to protect and maintain the existing tree stock.
We see a Marrickville that is shady and fresh where trees enhance the urban environment providing relief from traffic, industrial activity, urban infrastructure and pollution. The Greens want to reduce the heat of our summers and help fight climate change.
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