the Neighborhood Design Center’s Post

Savannah is losing its tree canopy, and local organizations are working on restoration efforts. These groups are focused on addressing deforestation or urban development impacts and promoting tree planting. #ASCA #ConsultingArborists Learn more here: https://ow.ly/PPE450Uumx6

MORE HOLIDAY READING - TREE PLANTING GUIDANCE FOR COMMUNITIES The Urban Forest Accelerator (part of the Future Parks Accelerator project) has published guidance on many aspects of urban trees including one in partnership with the Trees and Design Action Group providing guidance for local communities who want to plant larger trees. All the details can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eYFvvV8H

Dallas’s urban forest is a vital component of the landscape, providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits to residents. As the city grows, so does the importance of preserving and maintaining its trees against urban challenges. This article explores modern preservation techniques to improve the health and resilience of trees in the Dallas community. From climate adaptation strategies to sustainable pest management, homeowners will discover practical advice to support urban tree health. https://lnkd.in/g_3UqFdC

🌳 🐞 🦋 The future of rewilding is full of exciting possibilities. As the urgency of ecological restoration becomes undeniable, this innovative approach is poised to play a transformative role in healing our planet. 📈 One key aspect of rewilding's future lies in scaling up. While successful projects exist, the scale of the ecological crisis necessitates a more ambitious approach. 🌤 That's where smaller-scale rewilding comes in. Empowering the population to rewild private and public spaces (be that workplaces, public parks, schools, gardens or balconies) unlocks millions of acres of land to increase bio-diversity. ☀ So the future is bright and its in your hands! Find out more about the future of rewilding here : https://lnkd.in/eSYmiR8Z #rewilding #biodiversity #climatechange

What are the right trees for the right places ? I've just come back from Belfast, having been reviewing the Tree Establishment Strategy for the city. It sets out to answer things like; is 30% canopy cover achievable (it is!)? What is the maximum canopy cover possible? How many trees that might take and where are the available planting sites (in both hard and soft landscapes), with all those places prioritised based on Tree equity and other environmental factors. But what are the right trees? How can we create a diverse treescape? How can diversity tools and indices be used more effectively? This is exactly what I will be exploring at the Urban Tree Diversity Conference (www.urbantreediversity.org) next week, focusing on work we've been doing in London Borough of Camden and Belfast City Council. It's a work in progress and there are a lot of unknowns but it's something I'm really excited to be sharing and shouting about. I will be joined by friends and colleagues Josh Behounek, Keith Sacre, John Parker, Andrew Hirons, Cecil Konijnendijk, Russell Horsey MICFor, Urban Forester and Johan Östberg (amongst many others) who are also presenting on a range of stellar topics including: - Using tree diversity to mitigate risks from a changing climate - Novel approaches to urban tree selection - Emerging technologies and their role in urban forest management - Harnessing open data and citizen engagement to support urban forestry The event will offer keynotes, parallel talks, a poster session, and a tree diversity field trip in central Madrid. See you there ? #treediversity #urbantrees #urbanforests #UTD5 #resilience

🌱 Embracing Our Roots: The Impact of Urbanization 🌱 In the hustle and bustle of urban life, it's easy to lose touch with the natural world around us. One striking example is the transformation of once easily accessible herbs like neem leaves into exotic commodities, now found on platforms like Big Basket. Neem, a staple in many households for its medicinal properties, was once a ubiquitous presence in our backyards and gardens. Its accessibility encouraged its cultivation and utilization for health benefits. However, as urbanization accelerates, we're witnessing a disconnect from our roots. The shift from cultivating neem at home to purchasing it as an exotic herb highlights a broader trend of disconnect with nature. As our cities expand, green spaces dwindle, and our connection to the earth weakens. It's imperative that we recognize the limits of urbanization and take proactive steps to safeguard our connection to nature. Whether it's through community gardens, urban farming initiatives, or simply being mindful of our consumption habits, we can ensure that valuable traditions and resources like neem remain accessible to all. Let's strive to reconnect with our roots, preserving the natural treasures that enrich our lives and promote well-being. Together, we can strike a balance between urban progress and environmental stewardship. #Urbanization #Nature #Community #Sustainability

Greening Our Concrete Jungle As urbanization accelerates, the importance of green spaces in cities cannot be overstated. Greenery not only enhances the beauty of our urban environments but also plays a crucial role in mitigating health risks associated with urban living. Researchers estimate that nine million people die every year due to air pollution, with urban areas being particularly affected. Green spaces can help reduce the urban heat island effect and mitigate pollution making cities healthier and more liveable. Dr. Cecil Konijnendijk, a Professor of Urban Forestry at UBC, emphasizes the need for nature in our surroundings, advocating for trees in streets, plants in gardens, and flowers on balconies. These green elements not only improve air quality but also contribute to overall well-being. Planning cities to include green spaces is vital. Green roofs for example, can reduce the urban heat island effect, regulate rainwater and filter pollutants. Diverse tree species in urban areas create mini-forests, supporting ecosystems and reducing maintenance costs. Access to green spaces is not universal and can contribute to inequality. Creating democratic, accessible green spaces is essential for improving well-being and reducing health disparities in urban populations. We all have a role to play in promoting green spaces in cities. By caring for existing parks and advocating for more green spaces, we can create healthier urban environment for everyone. Check out more: https://rb.gy/gnr4cb #UrbanHealth #GreenSpaces

Cooling Our Cities, One Tree at a Time: The Crucial Role of Urban Trees in Heat Island Mitigation In the concrete jungle, where summer temperatures soar and the heat lingers, trees emerge not just as symbols of beauty and life, but as essential warriors against the urban heat island effect. I'm Wes Rivers, a Master Board Certified Arborist with TreeNewal, and today I want to delve into how strategic tree planting can be a game-changer for our urban environments. The urban heat island effect, where city temperatures are significantly higher than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and dense concentrations of buildings and roads, poses a growing challenge. However, trees offer a natural, effective solution to mitigate this heat, thanks to their shade and transpiration abilities. Here’s how trees make a difference: Natural Air Conditioning: The shade from trees can lower surface temperatures dramatically, while their transpiration process releases moisture into the air, reducing ambient temperatures. Energy Savings: Strategic placement of trees around buildings can decrease the need for air conditioning, leading to significant energy savings and reduced emissions. Improving Public Health: By reducing temperatures, trees help decrease heat-related illnesses and improve overall comfort levels in urban settings. Strategic Tree Planting:  Planting large, leafy trees in areas where people gather can provide immediate relief on hot days. Incorporating trees into urban planning around buildings and along streets not only cools the air but also enhances aesthetic appeal and property values. Choosing species that are well-adapted to urban conditions and diverse to prevent pest outbreaks and diseases. At TreeNewal, we're committed to transforming our cities into cooler, more livable spaces through the power of trees. The benefits of urban tree planting are clear, from combating the heat island effect to enhancing urban biodiversity and the well-being of community members. Let's join forces to green our urban landscapes. If you’re interested in learning more about how strategic tree planting can benefit your city or project, reach out. Together, we can pave the way for a cooler, greener future. #UrbanForestry #HeatIslandMitigation #SustainableCities #TreeNewal

A Call for Village Conservation Communities (VCC) - A Substantive #Conservation Approach to Real Estate #Development: https://j.mp/3l7hGJc What can be done to preserve a dwindling number of "forest enclaves" around cities like Atlanta? What we need is a substantive conservation approach to real estate development, a way forward to develop land that is competitive financially with conventional development, preserves the majority of our forested areas, re-integrates urban farms and brings people together around a renewed connection to the land with nature and farm based activities. Clustering the development into walkable villages and hamlets while preserving the majority of the green space on site and connecting to adjacent preserved green spaces. This development approach is called a "Village Conservation Community" (VCC). An age-old traditional approach to development that was the norm prior to the advent of the automobile and suburban development. Village Habitat Design has been planning and promoting this type of development since the organization built a first village conservation community - East Lake Commons - 20 years ago. VCCs are not only good for existing neighborhoods, future residents and developers, but they also create tremendous resilience and hope in a world facing uncertainty regarding climate change, loss of bio-diversity, pandemics and social dis-connectedness. This model can protect nature, provide urban farms ,food and energy resilience, reduce stress on infrastructure, improve health through walking and connection to nature and help incubate small neighborhood businesses. #realestate #sustainability #communities #sustainabledevelopment #development #sustainablecommunities #farms #farming #agriculture #walkability #greenbuilding #Atlanta #Georgia

A Call for Village Conservation Communities (VCC) - A Substantive #Conservation Approach to Real Estate #Development: https://j.mp/3l7hGJc What can be done to preserve a dwindling number of "forest enclaves" around cities like Atlanta? What we need is a substantive conservation approach to real estate development, a way forward to develop land that is competitive financially with conventional development, preserves the majority of our forested areas, re-integrates urban farms and brings people together around a renewed connection to the land with nature and farm based activities. Clustering the development into walkable villages and hamlets while preserving the majority of the green space on site and connecting to adjacent preserved green spaces. This development approach is called a "Village Conservation Community" (VCC). An age-old traditional approach to development that was the norm prior to the advent of the automobile and suburban development. Village Habitat Design has been planning and promoting this type of development since the organization built a first village conservation community - East Lake Commons - 20 years ago. VCCs are not only good for existing neighborhoods, future residents and developers, but they also create tremendous resilience and hope in a world facing uncertainty regarding climate change, loss of bio-diversity, pandemics and social dis-connectedness. This model can protect nature, provide urban farms ,food and energy resilience, reduce stress on infrastructure, improve health through walking and connection to nature and help incubate small neighborhood businesses. #realestate #sustainability #communities #sustainabledevelopment #development #sustainablecommunities #farms #farming #agriculture #walkability #greenbuilding #Atlanta #Georgia