#Tree Canopy

[twilightsolo-photography]

Tree Canopy at White Lake, Tamworth, NH 2023

[missedmilemarkers]

[patriciastrike]

[saltyy-blonde]

pov of me perched in a tree above the creek, avoiding other humans at all costs because trees are way better than people

[herbalnature]

Look up and get lost in the warm hues of autumn as these cottonwood trees show off their seasonal colors. It's like nature is painting the sky with a canopy of gold and green.

[bonfires-n-hares]

source

[lifeofloon]

Another morning hike, Long Beach nature preserve at El Dorado Park.

[threadatl]

Atlanta's tree canopy has to co-exist with more growth in residential density

by Darin Givens, 9/20/2023

There's an excellent op-ed in the AJC today arguing that Atlanta's need for greater density of people can co-exist with a tree canopy; even if we initially lose some trees for housing development, there's a great opportunity to expand the canopy in targeted ways.

Here's a quote from it:

"Higher density development makes further room for new street trees and stormwater infrastructure. Parking lots could become dense, energy efficient housing. Road lanes for cars could be transformed into tree-lined cycleways. If we’re willing to replace a fraction of Atlanta’s road space with trees we could have cool, shaded streets even in our city’s densest neighborhoods without sacrificing limited developable land."

Replacing some of our asphalt with trees is a great idea. In the Vine City neighborhood alone, the amount of land that's surrounded by heat-trapping parking lots is substantial, and likely contributes to heat island effects (see below).

One problem is that the conversation about tree canopy in Atlanta can often be used to block the exact type of infill development that's needed for addressing climate change by creating a more walkable, more transit-supportive city.

The op-ed addresses this:

"As our city looks to update its zoning and tree ordinances, we must recognize that a “save every existing tree” approach ignores the realities of our environment, development finance and housing affordability. We need to plant more trees, but mandating green infrastructure without providing adequate flexibility or incentives can hinder the dense development that we desperately need to lower carbon emissions and house our growing population."

Well said!

The piece was written by Anton Gudiswitz (chapter lead at Abundant Housing Atlanta) and Jason Lathbury (transportation committee chair for the Georgia Sierra Club). Kudos to them.

[photoncatcher]

Nikon D610; 1/125; F/5.6; ISO 100; 18mm

20/05/2024

[missedmilemarkers]

[rainhaunts]

[everyendeavor]

Sentient forest tree canopy.

Rata Forest in New Zealand

[everbendingscapes]

you will always remain

the most prescious fragment of my sky

[davidbeverly9]

Walkabout today Jacksonville Arboretum

[herbalnature]

Look up and get lost in a mesmerizing canopy of cottonwood trees, their leaves a tapestry of autumn hues against the sky. It's like nature's own kaleidoscope, right overhead.