We have all heard time and time again about the importance of protecting forests. For most of us, the word “forest” calls to mind an image of a large expanse of pristine, untouched wilderness. But what about the trees and green spaces within our city – that is, our urban forest?
While urban forests can’t perform all of the functions that traditional forests do, they still provide the community with many ecological, health and economic benefits. For example, trees in urban areas provide habitat for birds and small mammals, and improve air and water quality, which is good for the environment and human health. Studies have also found that trees have a positive impact on psychological health. The economic benefits of a healthy urban forest include an increase in property value and a reduction in energy costs by providing natural heating and cooling effects. Check here to calculate the value of your trees.
So, how does Westdale’s urban forest measure up?
In 2003, Environment Hamilton, with the help of many volunteers, conducted an inventory of the public and private trees in Westdale. The data collected was analyzed at the University of Toronto, and summarized in a report. This report gave a good picture of the state of the urban forest in this area, and made some recommendations for improvement. The study found that only a few tree species made up a large portion of the canopy, and that non-native species were quite common. It also identified 135 potentially hazardous trees and 125 spots where trees could be planted. To see the full results, you can read the report here.This summer, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club plans to discover what has changed in the last 10 years by updating the inventory.
Beginning in June, the HNC and a number of volunteers will be traveling through a defined area of Westdale, recording several pieces of data on each tree, including species, size, and condition. The study area includes most of the Westdale South neighbourhood. In order to obtain a complete, accurate picture of the urban forest, the inventory will require volunteers to enter private property, with the permission of residents. This aspect of the study is extremely important, as the City of Hamilton only keeps track of street trees, and does not possess an inventory of trees on private land (even though, according to the 2003 Trees Count, private treesaccount for 70% of the urban forest). To collect data for our inventory, volunteers will be using the Neighbourwoods Program, which was designed at the University of Toronto and used in the 2003 TreesCount. The data will be analyzed to produce a report on diversity, distribution, canopy cover, health and other components of the urban forest in Westdale. The report will then be summarized and presented to the Westdale community, who can use the information to make decisions on key actions they would like to take to improve their urban forest.
--Mara
--Mara
