Citizens in developing corners of the world are prioritizing green infrastructure as they struggle to deal with the environmental consequences of rapid growth.
Neha Tadav surveys a couple of examples of communities "leading the fight in preserving their urban forests" in cities around the urbanizing world.
The pair of examples include the "One Soul One Tree" campaign in Surabaya, Indonesia, which sponsored 5,000 citizens in an effort to protect and care for individually assigned trees. According to Tadav, the campaign, "not only provided locals with new skills and means of income, but ensured that the mangroves would be maintained by the Surabaya community."
The other example comes from India, with the Tree Census in Delhi. The Tree Census assigns trees a unique number and catalogues each into a database so residents can keep track of the tree population.
Before delving into the two examples, Tadav also explains the multiple beneficial roles trees can play in the urban environment.
FULL STORY: Friday Fun: How 2 Urban Communities Are Protecting Their Trees
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.
Quantifying How Urban Trees Cool Cities
A new tool can help cities understand the benefits of tree planting efforts at the municipal scale.
Branching Out: Building Health and Equity Through Community Forestry
Los Angeles County’s Community Forest Management Plan seeks to create a healthier, more equitable community forest by expanding tree coverage, engaging communities, and building resilience to climate impacts.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners