Urban Forest Blog
An Excel-lent Evening for Urban Forests
by Michelle Werts
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Of all of the issues we tackle here at American Forests, an urban forest is one of the gnarliest to comprehend. I mean, the very name seems to contradict itself: How can you have a forest in an urban area — at least one not of the concrete variety? But “forests” do exist in cities, towns and communities across the country. They just don’t always resemble the idyllic, rural forests and landscapes made famous by painters and photographers. Instead, these forests are comprised of that tree in the median, the plants in your front yard, the river that cuts through the city, the parkland where the children play. It consists of all of t... (Read More)
Funding for Urban Forests
by Amanda Tai
A recent U.S. Forest Service study published in Environmental Pollution indicates that America’s urban forests store up to 700 million tons of carbon, which is estimated to provide a $50 billion benefit. American Forests Science Advisory Board member David Nowak led the study at the agency’s Northern Research Station by looking at field data from 28 cities.
In the 486 urbanized areas in the United States, there is an overall population density of 2,534 people per square mile. With such densely concentrated urban populations, it’s important to continue funding the federal programs and research that invest in urban forests. There a... (Read More)
A Central Park Walkabout
by Matthew Boyer, VP of Individual Giving
Despite a steady rain, 16 American Forests' supporters showed up for a beautiful stroll through the least visited part of New York’s Central Park called the North Woods over the weekend. This was the inaugural event for , a newly created program that provides opportunities for members and their friends to get out and enjoy forests in their own city or out in the wilderness.
Regina Alvarez, former director of horticulture and woodland management for the Central Park Conservancy, guided our walk and did a wonderful job of teaching us all about the history of the North Woods, as well as the invasive species the park is trying to get und... (Read More)
The Survivor Tree
by Melinda Housholder, Urban Forests Program Director
A week ago, I stood in front of “The Survivor Tree” at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing, humbled by the strength of this tree that so accurately reflects the courage and spirit of the Oklahoma City community.
Today, as I hear stories and see images of the destruction caused by the tornado just four days after I left, my heart is saddened, and my thoughts are with those who must soon start to face the journey of recovery. Tearing through 17 miles of central Oklahoma and leveling hundreds of homes on Monday, the F5 tornado spanned 1.3 miles and packed winds that topped 200 mph. As the search continues for those who are missing, I’... (Read More)
A River Runs Through It
by Michelle Werts
A few years ago, a friend and I decided to take an impromptu canoeing trip along the Potomac River. It was a lovely experience … until I attempted to climb out of the canoe and instead of finding myself on a dry dock, I found myself halfway submerged in the murky waters of the Potomac. After my laughter at my sheer clumsiness subsided, my next thought was “I need a shower and may need to burn these clothes” because anyone who lives in the D.C. area knows that the waters of the local Potomac and Anacostia Rivers are not the most sanitary places around. An innovative new program headed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is t... (Read More)