In early 2022, The Greenwich Tree Conservancy applied for and was awarded a grant from the Connecticut Urban Forest Council’s Urban Forestry Climate Change Grants Program. This state program recognizes trees as critical infrastructure to assist in preventing damaging flooding and inequities such as increased air and noise pollution in more densely populated areas where insufficient tree canopy results in higher temperature due to the heat island effect.
Daytime temperatures in densely developed areas are understood to be higher than areas with increased tree canopy but few are aware that nighttime temperatures have been found to be as much as 22° higher, due to heat releasing more slowly from buildings and pavement. This requires significantly more electricity to cool nearby homes.
With the help of Sarah Coccaro, Town of Greenwich Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs, the GTC looked at the town Tree Equity Scorecard to determine which areas would most benefit from additional tree canopy. The initial award was to plant 50 trees in Pemberwick, Byram and Chickahominy. However the GTC was able to plant double that number. Endorsing the concept of necessary tree canopy, the Governor, just announced a plan to plant 1000’s of trees in densely populated cities and towns in Connecticut.
In addition to the development, many of Connecticut’s major transportation corridors pass through Greenwich, with Route 1, Metro North, and I-95 concentrated in a small area. Recently, CT DOT and Metro North have clearcut acres of trees as part of their maintenance programs, significantly lowering the quality of life of nearby residents.
After much careful planning, speaking with neighborhoods associations and local stake holders, GTC worked with Dr. Greg Kramer, Superintendent of Parks & Trees and Town Tree Warden to carefully site locations for these trees. Dr. Kramer selected trees based on their long-term ecological benefits. He stated that the criteria were climate change adaptability, urban survivability, wildlife benefits and aesthetic appeal. This project was also able to enhance roadside construction that removed asphalt and created greenspace off Exit 2 of I-95.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is grateful for its partnership with the Town and proud to have been awarded a grant that benefits both current and future town residents.
Curious about your neighborhood tree equity score? Visit https://treeequityscore.org
