Saving the canopy through urban tree mapping

Come closer and see; see into the trees. - The Cure

There is a new research project going on called Grove ReLeaf, "which focuses on teaching plant identification and inventory skills while also developing a citizen science network for urban tree mapping and monitoring across the Miami area."

This is a new research project from Florida International University. Trees are being mapped all over Coconut Grove and "services" provided by the trees are being calculated. Services such as root systems that combat flooding and a tree's cooling effects. 

The end goal is to help Miami create a tree policy.

WLRN has a lot about this here. 

I'm sure we all know this but the benefits of trees include:

Clean air: Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.

Access to trees, green spaces, and parks promotes greater physical activity, and reduces stress, while improving the quality of life in our cities and towns.

Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates.
Studies show that urban vegetation slows heartbeats, lowers blood pressure, and relaxes brain wave patterns.

Climate change: Trees sequester carbon (CO2), reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Read more about trees and climate change here.

Energy conservation:

A tree is a natural air conditioner. The evaporation from a single tree can produce the cooling effect of ten room-size, residential air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

Tree windbreaks can cut residential air-conditioning costs 20-50%.

Water filtration and retention: Urban forests promote beneficial water quality and reduce storm water management costs.

Wildlife habitat: Trees provide important habitats for numerous bird, insect and animal species.

Communities and business districts with healthy tree-cover attract new residents, industry, and commercial activity.

And many new developers, who seem to not be big fans of trees
would be well advised to know that:

Homes landscaped with trees sell more quickly and are worth 5% to 15% more than homes without trees.

Where the entire street is tree-lined, homes may be worth 25% more.
Trees enhance economic stability by attracting businesses; people linger and shop longer when trees are present.

Where a canopy of trees exists, apartments and offices rent more quickly and have a higher occupancy rate; workers report more productivity and less absenteeism.

Related reading: Bringing Nature Into Neighborhoods