We are deeply saddened by the horrific losses from the extreme, wind-driven wildfire events in Los Angeles this month. We have staff and customers who were directly affected and lost everything sadly.
We had already been planning a two-part webinar series on urban forestry and natural disasters, which we’ve postponed a month out of respect while the LA area morns their losses and begins to think about how to move forward, recover and rebuild. In this issue of our newsletter, we have included a short thought piece of wildfire in our community and the role of urban forest management practices.
It is impossible to imagine the feeling of losing everything you own and our hearts go out to everyone in LA. Please be safe and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Los Angeles Fires: Is Climate Change a Scapegoat for Poor Policy?
Rethinking California's Wildfire Crisis As LA battles devastating January wildfires, it's time to question our approach to forest management. Nadina Galle's latest article explores:
How decades of fire suppression created a tinderbox
Why climate change isn't the sole culprit
The value of indigenous fire management practices
Innovative solutions like BurnBot for controlled burns
We need a fundamental shift in ecosystem management, blending ancient wisdom with modern technology for a fire-resilient California.
Healing Together: Insights into Urban Forest Management from LA’s Fires
This article from Chris Peiffer addresses urban forest management in the wake of Los Angeles fires, emphasizing the need to balance fire risk reduction with the benefits of urban forests. Proactive strategies including regular maintenance, fire-resistant landscaping, and community engagement are all crucial to improving our urban forest management. Peiffer stresses the importance of integrating fire safety into canopy cover goals, using technology for monitoring, and developing comprehensive management plans. Learn why collaboration among stakeholders to create safer, healthier urban forests while safeguarding communities from wildfires is so important.
Harnessing Urban Forests for Natural Disaster Resilience
Feb 19, 2025 | Noon MST
Join us for an insightful webinar on the crucial role urban forests play in mitigating the growing impacts of natural disasters, including record-breaking heatwaves, devastating floods, catastrophic wildfires, and more. Urban forests act as natural shields against extreme heat, enhance water absorption to prevent flooding, and help reduce air pollution. However, effectively managing urban tree canopies in the face of these escalating threats requires innovative solutions.
By utilizing data-driven approaches to assess, manage, and expand urban forests, communities can proactively prepare for future disasters. Prioritizing resilient green infrastructure not only mitigates immediate risks but also supports long-term environmental health, economic stability, and community well-being.
Annapolis is Positioning Itself at the Forefront of Urban Forestry Management
Annapolis has unveiled a new interactive tree canopy map powered by TreePlotter. This advanced system enables real-time visualization of tree cover, integrates inventory and canopy data, and allows for setting and tracking specific canopy goals. The technology also incorporates social and environmental data for equity-focused investments and features customizable dashboards for simplified reporting and community engagement. By adopting this innovative tool, Annapolis joins other forward-thinking cities in using data-driven approaches to enhance urban green spaces, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable urban forest management.
17 Minutes and 9 Seconds in Nature Daily Can Significantly Boost Mental Health and Well-Being
A study found that spending just 17 minutes and 9 seconds in nature daily can significantly boost mental health and well-being. This nature exposure offers benefits like stress reduction, improved focus, better mood, and enhanced physical health. To reap these rewards, try integrating nature into your daily routine through micro-habits, such as a morning nature boost, lunchtime refresh outdoors, and evening unwind in a natural setting. Even small doses of nature, like visiting local parks or bringing plants indoors, can contribute to these positive effects.
Gardening the Globe: Tech’s Impact on Urban Forestry & Horticulture for The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Feb 12, 2025 | 3:00 GMT
Join us for an insightful webinar exploring how the Commonwealth War Graves is redefining horticultural and urban forestry practices to preserve heritage sites across the globe. Discover how they manage a global tree population while balancing local regulations, historical preservation, and community needs.
This session will showcase how tools like TreePlotter are enabling smarter green space management with solutions like progress reporting, language translation, governance tools, and tailored adaptations to meet local requirements. Learn how these innovations are streamlining operations, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring the care of historically significant landscapes.
Don’t miss the chance to see how tradition and technology are working hand-in-hand to build a greener future. Register now!
Greening Brisbane’s Streets: We Need Action for a Cooler, Walkable City
The Brisbane City Council’s “Buildings that Breathe” guidelines encourage greener, more sustainable developments by steering design towards environmentally-conscious features. These include natural ventilation, extensive green landscaping throughout developments, and the integration of activated, landscaped rooftops with recreational amenities.
However, the council cannot rely solely on developers to introduce green buildings. Proactive measures are needed to retrofit many of Brisbane’s bare and hot streets and council needs to pull its weight to make them more walkable during the intense summer heat which is only going to get worse with climate change.
Trees Can Be Secret Weapons for City Budgets and Public Health
Turning government leaders into tree supporters is crucial for urban forestry programs, which often operate on tight budgets. The article emphasizes the importance of using data-driven advocacy to make the value and risks of urban forestry tangible to decision-makers. Key strategies include utilizing urban tree canopy data and inventory statistics to tell compelling stories. Additionally, tree inventory software provides valuable statistics and visualizations that help contextualize urban forestry needs. The article also highlights the effectiveness of engaging community members through volunteer inventory days, creating new advocates who can influence government leaders to invest more in urban trees
Tell a Story, Rally Local Support, and Unlock Smarter Funding
Urban Forestry Professionals: Revolutionize Your Tree Management Strategy! Exciting news in the world of urban forestry and green space management! TreePlotter Projects by PlanIT Geo is changing the game for cities and organizations looking to enhance their urban canopy.
Key features of this innovative solution: • All-in-one platform for tree inventory, canopy analysis, and project management • Advanced mapping and planning tools to identify high-priority planting areas • Equity-focused investments through integration of social and environmental data • Real-time progress tracking for simplified reporting and grant compliance • Customizable dashboards for community engagement and result sharing
TreePlotter Projects empowers teams to set localized canopy goals, prioritize equity in urban greening, and monitor progress efficiently. It's not just about planting trees; it's about creating measurable, impactful, and connected urban forestry initiatives.
Are you ready to take your urban forestry efforts to the next level? How could a tool like this transform your community's green spaces?
