Our Urban Forest
Years ago, it was obvious that we lived in a forest, where trees were
plentiful and land was sparsely populated. Nowadays, three out of four
Americans live in an urban forest, defined as the area from the center
of town to the town's outskirts. By the year 2000, nearly 90% of
Californians will be urban dwellers.
The trees in our urban forest make our communities more liveable,
improve the global environment and connect people to nature and each
other. Trees beautify our neighborhoods and give them character. They
soften harsh city lines and mediocre architecture. They soothe minds,
provide recreational opportunities, and improve the quality of our
lives. Their shade drops temperatures 10 degrees and increases comfort.
It's the difference between 101° F and 91° F.
A Healthy Urban Forest is No Accident!
Trees are an integral part of our living space and offer a multitude of
environmental, social, and economic benefits. Urban forestry is about
expanding, enhancing and preserving trees in our urban communities.
Try this experiment at home
In the heat of the summer, measure the temperature under the shade of a
mature tree. Using the same thermometer, measure the temperature in a
shadeless area of your property. The difference will be about 10
degrees.
Can money grow on trees?
Sometimes money grows on trees, as in cleaner air, increased property
values, cooler homes, energy savings, preserved animal habitats, and
beautiful streets where people like to visit and shop.
And then there are working trees - trees that are strategically planted
to address a particular need and do a particular job. Trees that
provide windbreaks and reduce wind erosion. Trees that provide visual
barriers to screen unsightly areas. Trees that abate sound and decrease
noise pollution. Trees that separate urban areas from rural, or
residential from commercial. Trees that stabilize a river bank, stem
erosion and control floods.
|
|
