The City of Denver's free tree-planting program, Be a Smart Ash, aims to beautify neighborhoods, combat heat island effects, and prepare for the potential arrival of the emerald ash borer.
The Denver Office of the City Forester is seeking participants for its free tree-planting initiative known as Be a Smart Ash. This program not only enhances neighborhood aesthetics and combats the rising temperatures but also tackles the threat posed by the emerald ash borer . Hannah Romano, the forestry program coordinator for the City of Denver, expressed her excitement about planting more trees in front of residents' homes at no cost to them.
She emphasized the importance of trees in mitigating urban heat island effects and high summer temperatures, leading to energy savings and improved neighborhood beauty. Forestry Supervisor Doug Schoch, who has been with Denver Forestry since 2000, echoed Romano's sentiments, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of trees. He noted that people crave green spaces, natural interactions, and family-friendly parks. Trees also contribute to stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and have been linked to reduced crime rates and improved mental health. However, the primary driving force behind the Be a Smart Ash program is the preemptive effort to combat the spread of the emerald ash borer. This destructive insect, which has ravaged forests across the Midwest and East Coast, has been detected in areas surrounding Colorado. Romano stated that the insect is gradually encroaching on the city, prompting Denver to prepare for its arrival. As the emerald ash borer exclusively feeds on ash trees, the City of Denver has been actively diversifying its urban tree population. When the program launched in 2016, ash trees comprised one in six trees in Denver. Schoch explained that insects and diseases often target specific species. A diverse tree canopy minimizes the impact of infestations, as the loss may be limited to 10% rather than a significant portion of the entire canopy.
Tree Planting Emerald Ash Borer Urban Forestry Climate Change Community Engagement
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rebuttal: To Blame West Denver for Contributing to Denver’s Housing Crisis Is AbsurdDenver City Council members say that Denver’s housing policies can and should consider historical impact before our diverse communities are erased.
Read more »
First Look at Avatar: Fire and Ash's Ash VillageA new photo from Empire Magazine showcases the Ash Village, the home of the Mangkwan Clan in Avatar: Fire and Ash. Set in a barren wasteland, the village stands in stark contrast to the lush environments of Pandora seen in previous films. Production designer Dylan Cole reveals that the Ash Clan's culture was shaped by a natural disaster that befell their community.
Read more »
Denver Celebrates Valentine's Day with 'Love Letter to Denver' EventThe Block Distilling Co. is hosting a Valentine's Day celebration called 'Love Letter to Denver' featuring local vendors, a flower bar, letter-writing station, flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, and more. Attendees can enjoy a free cocktail or mocktail and try onigiri and mochi from Taeko San Takout.
Read more »
Smart School, Not-So-Smart Temperatures: Teachers Struggle with New HVAC SystemTeachers in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District are facing inconsistent temperatures in their classrooms due to a new energy management system installed by Schneider Electric. The system, intended to reduce energy costs, has led to issues with thermostats and HVAC controls, causing classrooms to be too hot or too cold. Teachers are adapting with layers of clothing and adjusting their teaching schedules to accommodate the unpredictable temperatures.
Read more »
Community College of Denver launches tuition-free high school diploma program for adultsSam Peña is a multimedia journalist at Denver7 KMGH in Denver, Colorado.
Read more »
Community College of Denver launches tuition-free high school diploma program for adultsThe initiative costs a one-time $50 fee and aims to help adults who did not complete high school unlock new academic and career opportunities.
Read more »