A New Mexico research program will assess the health of seedlings to understand which trees will be most resilient to climate risks.
In an article for Route Fifty, Kaitlyn Levinson reminds readers that planting trees is only part of the equation when it comes to boosting urban tree canopies, creating shade, and cooling city sidewalks.
Urban trees also need to be resilient to weather, climate risks, and other factors for the long term. A new program at New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), the Climate Ready Trees Program, “aims to help officials identify which tree types will most likely withstand New Mexico’s changing climate so they can be incorporated into future urban landscapes.”
The program will use long-range data gained from tree seedlings to understand which trees fare best in varying local conditions. The seedlings can be adopted by schools, libraries, and other institutions. “Participants are required to maintain the trees on their properties in demonstration gardens and submit an annual tree performance survey to the Forestry Division so officials can track the tree growth process.”
FULL STORY: Tree nurseries sprout up as a climate mitigation strategy
Improving South Los Angeles Through Strategic Tree Planting
The University of Southern California Urban Trees Initiative is planting 250 trees in South L.A. neighborhoods to improve shade, combat climate change, and enhance community well-being through collaboration and data-driven approaches.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
The Economic Value of Street Trees
Far from just providing shade and improving air quality, trees can also contribute to more resilient roads, lower energy costs, and reduced flood risk.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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