What Makes a Model Project?
The best practices in urban greening often start with local governments conducting assessments of their urban tree canopy (UTC) using satellite imagery. Other on-the-ground practices involve conducting a tree survey to account for individual trees and a management and conservation plan to maintain and conserve existing as well as new trees.
Once a local government has determined the amount of canopy it has, it can then determine an appropriate percentage goal to increase that canopy. This goal should be adopted by the local government and dedicated funds and staff resources should be directed toward creating and implementing strategies that work to meet that goal. Trees (preferably natives) should be planted in locations selected to produce the biggest ecological benefit and if possible, connections should be made between existing green spaces. Trees and plants should also be incorporated into the local government's storm water management options through such techniques as environmentally sensitive development and low impact development.
Urban Greening Project Planning
- An assessment of current tree canopy is essential, in order to allow you to set a goal for a future increase and to determine the best locations for additional plantings.
- Local government should be on board and ready to adopt a goal when considering an increase in urban tree canopy.
- Get your elected officials on board through additional education on the importance of urban tree canopy, site visits and tours. Help them to envision what your community could look like with increased canopy.
- Partner with outside technical experts to enhance your project
- Local governments should consider partnering with non-profits, watershed organizations and others on an urban tree canopy project.
- Consider partnering with an institution of higher learning or other community partners, such as schools or churches.
- Examine your local codes and ordinances that relate to forestry and trees, especially for new development and redevelopment. Are there ways that the codes and ordinances can become more forest-friendly? (For examples, click here to see recommendations made to the City of Cumberland by the Center for Watershed Protection)
- Consider ways to incorporate trees into storm water projects.
- Watershed organizations can work with their local government to create a street tree program that includes outreach, planting and maintenance education and assistance to homeowners.
- Be realistic with your time frame and what you can accomplish.
- If conducting a satellite analysis of your local tree canopy, don’t underestimate the time needed for satellite image acquisition and assessment.
- Contact Miss Utility to avoid utilities when planting
- Consider projects in redeveloping areas and in the right of ways along streets. Consider the size of your potential tree pit.
- Consider any permits that may needed for planting (especially for street tree plantings). Factor this into your project schedule.
- Consider the involvement of volunteers, especially in a community kickoff event. Invite businesses to participate in a “Corporate Day of Service”.
- Consider incentive programs for private property owners, such as tree discounts and/or coupons for local nurseries. Involve local businesses in efforts to involve homeowners and their customers.
Click here for information about Tree Planting
Examples of a Model Project:
Patterson Park Neighborhood Association – Greening Committee
The Patterson Park neighborhood in southeast Baltimore City has one of the lowest tree canopy coverage in the entire city: 3%. In an effort to improve the quality of life of their fellow residents, the Patterson Park Neighborhood Association is developing an Urban Greening & Master Plan Project to increase the size, health and sustainability of their urban forest.
Town of Forest Heights
The Town of Forest Heights conducted a tree canopy assessment to determine the future of their urban forest and to set goals for tree planting and preservation. By working with the University of Vermont, the completed assessment established that the town has tree canopy coverage of 35%, and has laid out recommendations on how to improve and maintain Forest Heights’ canopy cover. In the process of conducting this assessment, Forest Heights also organized the planting of 80 trees.
Washington College, Center for Environment and Society
Washington College’s Center for Environment & Society partnered with the Town of Chestertown to expand its existing inventory of trees in order to reach its goal of 40% by 2020. Building on previous Trust grants that created a tree inventory and management plan, this project began the tree planting process for the Town, starting with an initial 500 trees the first year. Major objectives of this project included: planting trees in specific areas of the Town, monitoring their health, and providing support for the maintenance of the current inventory. It also provided incentives for tree planting on private property.
|
