Kevin Dougherty’s Post

🌳 Yesterday I helped plant 150 native fruit trees and 50 pines for windbreaks. Here's what I learned: 🐣 We are fortunate enough to be part of a community project with others who share our vision for improved food sovereignty and equity. Getting the trees to where they needed to be - and getting them in the ground - was an undertaking that really started this time last year ... we had been gifted 120 or so trees and had no idea what to do, how to do it, or what the results could look like. Things were radically different this year, starting from a careful choice of species and a transport approach including cars, a Greyhound, and a cross-city ride to get the trees to the land 🏋♀️ Then, as a team of committed volunteers and community members spent the day together on our land in McHenry County IL , we were able to find ways to solve problems as a team. You're not exactly racing the clock - the seedlings will last some days if carefully looked after - but we knew we'd only have a few hours on the day itself. In the end, the only trees that weren't planted have planned locations and will be in the ground very soon. 🤗 As Seq Solutions continues to grow, with buyer and supplier LOIs now in hand, we're building scale for not just 200 trees but many hundreds of thousands - millions, before too long. It's worth remembering, as we do this work, the toil that underlays it. Addressing #climatechange is community work, and understanding that can sometimes take getting your hands dirty - and working a meaningful relationship with the land itself. For more: Wonderland Community Project (PS ... the trees are on the back of the bike in the picture!)

It’s been a pleasure meeting so many new faces at Trees, People and the Built Environment 5 with the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Many great conversations about The Woodland Trust’s Tree Equity Score UK tool, and many more conversations still to be had in follow up. I know I’m biased but I really think it’s a fantastic tool, not just because of the tree based data that it provides, but the bridge to looking at this in a human level. You see, tree equity is really about people, not just trees. It's about making sure everyone has access to the benefits trees offer, like cleaner air and cooler streets, no matter where they live. Some communities don't have as many trees, and that's not okay. Tree equity aims to fix this by planting more trees in places that need them most. Some communities may not have the time or energy to focus on trees while they're concerned with essentials like putting food on the table. However, once they realise that trees offer solutions not only to environmental issues but also contribute to physical and mental health, provide community fruit orchards, and support various other social factors, they can see that trees have a valuable place and purpose. When they are involved in the planning and decisions around planting in their communities, they are given a sense of stewardship. This can help shift our culture towards one that values nature more deeply. Tree equity works at all levels, grass roots up and top down so that we meet in the middle, in a place where everyone can enjoy a greener, healthier place to live.

Happy National Tree Day 🌳. Some of my fond memories include spending time in green spaces, from walks in my neighbourhood (and being thankful for trees on those extremely hot days 😰) to outdoor family birthday parties, getting to know and spend time with new neighbours, and hiking with my loved ones; I have truly benefited from them. As we mark this day, I'd like to highlight the essential benefits trees bring to our lives in Canada. I understand that with the rising cost of living and the urgent need for housing, it can be tempting to disregard investments in green spaces. However, it’s important to recognize that these investments yield returns that enhance our quality of life and nurture healthier, happier communities. Trees are not just nice to have; they are important for our future. 💰Investing in trees can actually save us money in the long run. Urban trees mitigate our urban heat island effect and help reduce heating and cooling costs by providing natural shade and insulation. Trees also help reduce flood risk, filter water, and improve air quality, leading to lower healthcare costs over time. 🏦 From a broader economic standpoint, trees support local businesses. Attractive, green environments draw in visitors and customers, boosting the economy. Plus, they create jobs in landscaping, forestry, and maintenance. A healthy urban forest can enhance our city's resilience, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing the need for costly infrastructure repairs. 👨👩👧👦 On the social side, trees offer us more than just shade. They provide a sense of community and well-being. Green spaces are essential for mental health, offering places for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. They promote physical activity and can reduce stress levels, ultimately improving our quality of life. Let’s commit to nurturing our green spaces and celebrating the natural beauty around us. Together, we can create a sustainable and vibrant environment that benefits us all. 🌲💚 Helpful resources: The Business Case for Planting Trees by Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Roy Brooke Joanna Eyquem PGeo. ENV SP. CWEM. CEnv., Barb Rabicki, Laurette Geldenhuys https://lnkd.in/g6q4sSEC #NationalTreeDay #TreePlanting #Sustainability #Community #QualityOfLife #Canada

🌳 A Green Revolution in West End 🌿 We are excited to share our latest project that's set to transform the West End into a vibrant urban food forest! This initiative is part of the City’s Neighborhood Partnership Grant program and reflects our commitment to sustainable urban development. Nestled in the Sulger subdivision, at 340 E. Busby Drive and 345 Sheila Lane, our urban food forest will grow on two City-owned lots. We’re rolling out this project in three phases: 1. Fencing: The first step is establishing a secure perimeter, and we’re making great progress. 2. Planning & Planting: Our efforts here are centered around rainwater harvesting, ecological balance, and planting diverse plant species. 3. Signage & Maintenance: We’ll install educational signage and have a solid plan for ongoing care. Echoing Hope Ranch, a Hereford-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has generously committed to maintaining the food forest for a decade. Together, we’re united in the mission to rejuvenate the Earth by implementing regenerative food systems! #JoinTheConversation Your input is invaluable to us. We invite you to a community meeting to discuss this exciting project: 📅 Saturday, March 2 ⏰ 10 a.m. 📍 Sierra Vista Food Co-op Let’s come together to cultivate not just a food forest, but a legacy of community and environmental well-being! #UrbanAgriculture #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #FoodForest #ReapGoodness

In their article in today's Guardian (Trigger-happy councils mowing down our spring flowers? There’s a better way to do things.) Phineas Harper writes that "Systemic problems need systemic solutions. As a campaign to persuade individual homeowners to change how they garden, No Mow May is a charming but inherently limited initiative. However, as a tool to persuade not just individuals but public authorities to rethink their out-of-date intensive mowing and poison-spraying regimes, it can make a real impact on nature recovery in the UK." My local council (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) have just introduced an initiative to encourage community stewardship of verges. My application is already in to take responsibility for the patch outside my house. 😀 It isn't a systemic solution but it's certainly a good start in returning agency to local residents. https://lnkd.in/e8_8CWPh #biodiversity #NoMowMay Simon Werner

Each year in the United States, urban tree cover decreases by an estimated 36 million trees, or 175,000 acres. For perspective, New York City’s Central Park contains about 18,000 trees, meaning the U.S. loses 2,000 times the number of trees in Central Park each year to factors like urban development, industry, climate change impacts, and lack of tree maintenance. In 2021, tree equity studies confirmed that socially and economically disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience the negative effects of urban tree loss. On average, communities with high levels of poverty have approximately 41 percent fewer trees than their wealthier counterparts. To help combat this inequity, nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Faith in Place was awarded $1.99 million by the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to increase urban tree canopies in the Great Lakes region. These funds will allow Faith in Place to facilitate tree planning and workforce development projects at faith institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. A million thanks to Rev. Brian Sauder for sitting down with me to talk about tree equity and environmental justice for this article for Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition. #treeequity #treeplaning #environmentalworkforcedevelopment #freelacewriter #greatlakesregion #climateimpacts #urbantreeloss #environmentaljournalism

Another of our projects this year changed in nature almost before it had begun. In the past twelve years, we have walked most streets in Crewe and have often come across 'empty' tree plots. Often, there will be two or three plots where trees have been planted in past but one will be empty. Originally, the plan was to identify these and make sure there was a tree in each one. However, we quickly learned that Cheshire East Council is planning to introduce a policy which states that each street tree must stand in its own grass verge, which must be at least 1.1m wide, and it must not be within 3m of the carriageway. For Crewe, this means that very few street trees will be replaced (CEC felled 17 street trees in 2023 and planted zero). The street tree is a marvellous thing. Like all trees, it acts as a carbon sink. In addition, it provides shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, not just for people but for our (seemingly) fragile roads, too. Research has shown that motorists drive more slowly and that house prices are likely to be higher along tree-lined roads. Of course, our mental health benefits from seeing and walking amongst beautiful trees and they harbour hundreds of species of insects, providing food for the birds whose song further enhances our lives. In climate and biodiversity crises, trees are crucial. In an urban setting, they are essential elements of good development. We hope that there will be a consultation period before CEC's policy is introduced. Our focus at the moment is on plotting every street tree and empty plot in Crewe. The new policy will mean, of course that CEC has fewer trees to maintain and so it will save money. There may be an element of trying avoiding future costs, that may result from damage caused by tree roots (which may arise if the wrong species has been planted or the tree has been incorrectly planted, e.g. without a root cage). As part of our survey, we will record against each tree whether or not there is visible damage to the surrounding area. We will also record all streets in Crewe where trees could be planted and meet the criteria set out in the proposed policy.

🌳 Connect with NATURE'S HEARTBEAT 🌳 DISCOVER EARTH'S PULSE, WHERE WEEKENDS ECHO WITH RENEWAL Enjoy the tranquility of our farmyards and farmhouses. Experience the rhythm of the earth beneath your feet and the tranquility of a natural retreat here. Every weekend is a break from the daily grind, restoring peace and renewal. Choose a lifestyle that brings financial success and peace. Own a piece of paradise where nature's sounds rejuvenate. Why Invest in Farm Plots? ✅ High Returns 💹 - Farmland appreciates faster than residential properties, offering substantial returns on investment. ✅Diversification 🌐 - Diversify your investment portfolio with a tangible, low-risk asset that performs well even in uncertain times. ✅Passive Income 💰 - Lease your land for agricultural use and enjoy a steady stream of passive income while supporting local farming communities. ✅Tax Benefits 💸 - Benefit from various tax incentives, including deductions on property taxes and conservation easements. ✅Sustainability 🌱 - Contribute to sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation, ensuring a greener future for generations to come. ✅Personal Retreat 🏡 - Own a serene retreat where you can unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature, making every weekend a rejuvenating experience. #FARMPLOTS #SRISAILAMHIGHWAY #INVESTMENT #REALESTATE #FARMHOUSE

We are thrilled to share a glimpse into our new initiative: "the earth connects us all ", a groundbreaking program by Noocity that goes beyond just installing vegetable gardens. This initiative aims to bring the benefits of gardening to where it's needed most: schools, elderly homes, and social impact institutions, supported by socially responsible companies. Noocity gardens are more than just places to grow food. They are bonds within the community, spaces of empathy and healing, where we are all equal, connected by the earth that sustains us. These are places where the simple magic of planting a seed can blossom into a deep sense of belonging and well-being. We believe in the power of gardens as therapeutic spaces, where every plant grown sows hope and promotes mental and physical health. 🌿💖 We invite you to learn more about this exciting project and to be inspired by the transformative potential of urban gardens. Watch our video and join us on this journey to cultivate not just food, but also stronger, united communities. Watch the video! Together, we can make a difference, one green space at a time. 💚 #Noocity #UrbanGardening #Community #Sustainability #UrbanAgriculture