Alliance for Community Trees

Jobs

2013-01-02T04:10:04Z

We're pleased to highlight employment and internship opportunities that may be of interest to those in the urban greening community. For a full list of announcements, please visit the Jobs Archive.

Research

2013-01-02T03:09:36Z

We're pleased to highlight events that may be of interest to those in the urban greening community. For a full list of events and, in some cases conference proceedings, please visit the Research Archive.

Alliance for Community Trees (College Park, MD)

2013-01-02T01:55:22Z

Introduction: The purpose of ACT's Internship Program is to develop graduate and undergraduate students' knowledge and work experience through urban forestry related programming, community-based projects, and nonprofit management.]]> Eligible Applicants: U.S. citizens actively enrolled in graduate and undergraduate studies at college or university. Skills Required: Strong writing and research, attention to detail, organization, ability to work independently or with a team, self-starter, and sense of humor. General Interests: Urban policy, neighborhood redevelopment, public relations/marketing, nonprofit management, and development. Minimum/Maximum Award: Stipend commensurate with experience. Application Procedure: Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to the email or mailing address listed below. Application Deadline: Rolling. Internship Period: Students are suggested to apply for spring (February-May), summer (June-August), or fall (September-November) fellowships. Mailing Address: Mail or email resumes to: Alliance for Community Trees Attn: Internship Program 4603 Calvert Road College Park, MD 20740 Info@ACTrees.org Inquiries: Please direct questions regarding the internship program to Info@ACTrees.org or 301-277-0041.

Planned Environmental Conservation

2013-01-01T23:21:59Z

Trees make good neighbors.]]> Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Every day across the country the public is learning the benefits of planting and protecting trees. For example, did you know that more trees correlates with:

Lower crime. The presence of trees in urban neighborhoods has been linked to reduced crime.

Cleaner air. Trees provide the oxygen we breathe. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day and eliminates as much carbon dioxide from the air as is produced from driving a car 26,000 miles. Tree leaves help trap and remove tiny particles of soot and dust which otherwise damages human lungs and tree root networks filter contaminants in soils producing clean water. Forty trees will remove 80 pounds of air pollutants annually. That is, 4 million trees would save $20 million in annual air pollution cleanup.

Energy savings. Trees lower the temperature through shade. The cooling effects of trees can save millions of energy dollars. 3-4 shade trees located strategically around a house can cut summer cooling costs by 30-50%. For one million trees, that's $10 million in energy savings.

More public revenue. Studies have shown that trees enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists. People linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets. 40,000 trees in commercials parking lots would induce shoppers to spend 11% more for goods and services.

Higher property values. Property values of homes with trees in the landscape are 5 - 20% higher than equivalent properties without trees. 4000 trees in yards would increase the sales price of homes by 1%, plus increase the property values as much as 10%. That is an estimated annual increase in homes sale value of $10.4 million.

More efficient stormwater management. Roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion by trapping soil that would otherwise become silt. Silt destroys fish eggs and other aquatic wildlife and makes rivers and streams shallower, causing more frequent and more severe flooding. Trees along streams hold stream banks in place to protect against flooding. One tree reduces 4,000 gallons of storm water runoff annually. 400 trees will capture 140,000 gallons of rainwater annually. That is, 4 million trees would save $14 million in annual storm water runoff costs.

Community Development Through Gardening Neglected vacant lots in the modern urban setting pose great hazards to community life. These lots, which host criminal behavior, accumulate trash, and create various health risks, epitomize the frustration and despair nearby residents often feel. More than one-fifth of all land in American cities is classified as vacant. Despite the prevalence of vacant land and the reality of urban blight, many communities have been successful in transforming these dangerous urban spaces into thriving communities. At this moment, the nation wants real solutions that create clean and beautiful communities, and action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to engage in urban beautification. Find Out More: Clean, Green, and Beautiful The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Clean, Green, and Beautiful

2013-01-01T23:10:19Z

Lower crime. The presence of trees in urban neighborhoods has been linked to reduced crime.

At this moment, the nation wants real solutions that create clean and beautiful communities, and action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to engage in urban beautification. Find Out More: Go Green The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Green Roofs & Buildings for Healthy Cities

2013-01-01T23:06:48Z

Greenroofs and green buildings return many benefits for residents, owners, and the larger community through energy efficiency, profitability, and, environmental health. Greenroofs are an attractive and energy-saving alternative to a conventional rooftop. They can keep buildings cooler, save energy, and extend the useful life of the roof, while adding beauty and useable space.]]> Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. In addition to offering an attractive alternative to the barren deserts of tar, gravel, and asphalt usually seen from urban windows, green roofs reduce urban heat island effect, capture and evaporate up to 100% of rainwater in their space, and save us money. Here are some of the ways: Energy Efficiency Greenroofs reduce surface temperatures on a roof by minimizing heat-absorbing surfaces, thereby also reducing energy costs inside the building. For example, the greenroof on Chicago's City Hall registered approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest summer days last year while the roof on top of the Cook County Building next door registered 160 degrees. Savings vary depending on the size of the building, climate, and type of green roof. A typical one-story building with a grass roof and 3.9 inches of growing medium results in a 25% reduction in summer cooling needs! An ASHRAE simulation conducted on Chicago City Hall's greenroof showed that every one degree Fahrenheit decrease in ambient air temperature results in a 1.2% drop in cooling energy use. The study suggests that if, over a period of ten years or more, all of the buildings in Chicago were retrofitted with greenroofs, (30% of the total land area), this would yield savings of $100,000,000 annually from reduced cooling load requirements in all of the buildings in Chicago. In some cases, by adding solar panels, greenroofs produce more energy savings than energy demand. Stormwater Management Green roofs are a cost effective way to reduce stormwater. Casey Trees recently released the results of a year long study modeling the stormwater impacts of greening scenarios, including enhanced tree canopy and the increased use of green roofs in the District of Columbia. Green roofs present a unique opportunity in DC because of the prevalence of high density town houses with flat roofs. Per unit area, green roofs intercept and store almost four times more rainwater than trees. For an average year, the "Green Build-out" or high-end scenario prevented over 1.2 billion gallons of stormwater from entering the sewer system, resulting in a reduction of 10% or over one billion gallons in discharge volumes to DC's rivers. Economic Savings By protecting roofing materials and insulating homes from extreme wear and tear, temperature fluctuations, and ultraviolet rays, greenroofs last up to twice as long as conventional roofs, cut home insulation needs by half, and reduce flooding. By contributing to stormwater management, greenroofs save cities from having to build water treatment facilities. Where jurisdictions demand lot-level stormwater charges, zero runoff policies, or a requirement for storm water management ponds, this ability to retain stormwater may result in direct and indirect financial incentives. By adopting LEED standards, developers may also generate tax credit in many states. Healthy Communities Every 16 square feet of greenroof produces enough oxygen for one person to breath. Greenroofs filter airborne particulates, thereby improving air quality. Cleaner air creates healthier communities for children, lowers stress and blood pressure, and combats climate change. Greenroofs also serve as a blanket, insulating buildings and homes from outdoor noise. Sound waves that are produced by machinery, traffic, or airplanes can be absorbed, reflected, or deflected. A greenroof with an eight-inch substrate layer can reduce sound by up to 50 decibels. Policy and Cost A typical greenroof costs about twice as much to purchase and install as a conventional tar roof, ranging from $8 all the way up to $24 per square foot with an average cost at about $10 to $12 per square foot. For comparison, a conventional tar roof costs just $4 to $6 per square foot. The most expensive greenroofs can also require watering and extensive gardening, though the least expensive need very little maintenance. Some of them you mow, some of them you don't touch. Greenroofs are expensive, but they help solve even more expensive problems such as stormwater management. For example, the U.S. EPA has just required Chicago to build a $16 million tunnel to move rainwater into Lake Michigan. Washington, DC may soon have to pay $1.9 billion to dig three massive underground tunnels to store rainwater to keep the city's combined sewers from overflowing. And Seattle and Portland have struggled for years with their heavy rains and require extensive storm water management at new developments. Greenroofs can dramatically reduce these problems. A typical greenroof can soak up more than half of the rain that falls on it in a year, so that the water never makes it into city sewers. Even better, the rain that does flow off the roof flows more slowly, so that sewers are less likely to flood. Many densely developed cities have similar problems and may soon follow these leads with incentives and regulations. Without subsidies, greenroofs do not always financially benefit the developers. Instead, the value of greenroofs is only fully realized when taking into account the benefits to the whole community. Because of this, developers may not be inclined to install greenroofs unless they are required to or are subsidized by local officials. Green Buildings and Schools Some 55 million students spend their days in schools that are too often unhealthy and restrict their ability to learn. A rapidly growing trend is to design schools to be healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environments. Trees are an important aspect in green school construction from several angles including facility energy savings and cleaner air for children at play. Not surprisingly, a large number of studies have found that unhealthy schools result in increased illness and absenteeism and bring down test scores. Here are some other examples: * The U.S. EPA's new 232,000-square-foot facility in Denver includes a green roof, which will help meet the city's strict stormwater guidelines by reducing runoff and reduce energy consumption. * The Battery Park City Authority in New York City has mandated that 75% of roofs in this neighborhood be greenroofs and open to the residents. With that requirement in mind, builders have grown green roofs on four apartment buildings in Battery Park. * Indianapolis' Mayor stood atop the green roof at the Indianapolis Museum of Art to announce Indy GreenPrint, his plan to make Indianapolis more sustainable and position the city to be a leader in climate protection, energy efficiency, and energy conservation. * The University of Michigan's renovated Samuel Trask Dana Building balances two critical functions: the building provides a comfortable place to learn and work, and it simultaneously demonstrates state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious design. * The greenroofs at Reflections Condominium Project at Bloomington Central Station in Bloomington, MN help to keep out the noise of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport nearby. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real solutions to urban planning, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to engage in planned development that includes greenroofs. Find Out More: Getting Into Greenroofs Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide Green Roof Systems: A Guide to the Planning, Design, and Construction of Building Over Structure Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Environmental Protection Agency Green Roofs Penn State University Green Roof Center North Carolina State University Green Roof Research Inhabit.com Green Streets & Sidewalks The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Green Streets & Sidewalks

2013-01-01T22:28:26Z

Trees and landscape features located within the public right-of-way and adjacent to roadways in urban environments are often perceived by transportation officials as a safety risk. However, evidence from national and local studies reveal that the inclusion of trees and other streetscape features actually reduces crashes and injuries on urban roadways.]]> Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Trees help to calm traffic. Research done in Orlando and Delaware has shown that motorists benefit from vertical features such as trees and buildings to gauge their speed. Other studies that identify commuting as one of the most stressful experiences of urban life showed that stress response decreases and frustration tolerance increases with views of nature. Three-fourths of Americans believe that being smarter about development and improving public transportation are better long-term solutions for reducing traffic congestion than building new roads. Conventional approaches to transportation engineering discourage the use of trees and other roadside features as being fixed-object hazards. Green infrastructure may be limited or prohibited by public works or transportation professionals due to concerns. But there are many community benefits that result from having roadside landscapes. They include: Safer Streets Transportation safety is a highly contentious issue in the design of cities and communities. While urban designers, architects, and planners often encourage the use of aesthetic streetscape treatments to enhance the livability of urban streets, conventional transportation safety practice regards roadside features such as street trees as fixed-object hazards and strongly discourages their use. Yet studies show that trees actually make urban streets safer, not deadlier. Concerns about their safety effects do not appear to be founded on empirical observations of crash performance, but instead on street design philosophy that discounts the relationship between driver behavior and safety. Less Maintenance Costs All other factors equal, the condition of pavement on tree-shaded streets is better than on unshaded streets. In fact, shaded roads require significantly less maintenance and can save up to 60% of repaving costs over 30 years. After more than 100 years of road and highway building, the United States is now crisscrossed by nearly four million miles of roadways. Add in all the parking lots, private roads, driveways, and road shoulders, and the total amount of paved land comes to approximately one percent of the total area of the contiguous United States. The cost of maintaining asphalt can be lowered through urban tree planting. Reduce Traffic Congestion Transportation systems have traditionally been designed for traffic mobility and driver safety. However, research suggests that urban road projects could safely accommodate more trees than are currently allowed in transportation building codes. Context Sensitive Design is a new approach in transportation planning that recognizes community values, and is showing that more roadside vegetation along transportation corridors may actually equal less traffic congestion. Cleaner air Studies show that trees and shrubs have the greatest impact at minimizing air pollution including the effects of ozone, followed by particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which are harmful automotive outputs. Highway Beautification Around the country, urban forestry organizations are helping their communities envision and design green streetscape improvements that enhance transportation corridors. For example, since 1996 Trees Forever has provided resources and assistance with planning, landscape design, and funding opportunities for planting native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. The program is called Iowa's Living Roadways. Funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation using Federal Highway Administration monies, the program beautifies and enhances roadsides and community entryways. An example of how this program can be funded and implemented on the municipal level is modeled by Baton Rouge Living Roadways. Mitigation of highway noise City dwellers need green in their lives, especially if they live near a highway or along a mass transit corridor. Not only are trees prettier to look at than asphalt, speeding cars, and industrial areas, but also trees reduce noise pollution by acting as buffers. Trees absorb the cacophony of urban life, where every highway should be turned into a greenway. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real solutions to urban planning, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to balance transportation mobility, accessibility needs, public welfare, and community livability. Find Out More: Green Roofs & Buildings The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

National NeighborWoods Month

2013-01-01T22:17:31Z

National NeighborWoods Month Sponsorship Levels

National NeighborWoods Month™ is ACT’s annual community service campaign, which in October 2009 resulted in 704 volunteer events delivered by local partners in 231 cities across the country. Campaign partners planted over 37,000 trees, engaged over 24,000 volunteers, and educated the public about sustainability through education and media outreach.

National Sponsorships
National Sponsorships underwrite NeighborWoods Month programs throughout the country, exposing your brand to the largest audience and putting your contribution to work where it is most needed. Your company will receive national recognition through ACT’s NeighborWoods poster as well as on the NeighborWoods website, in electronic newsletters, and in coordinated media outreach in 100+ focus markets.

Gold - $25,000

Logo credit as a “National Sponsor” on the 2010 National NeighborWoods Month commemorative poster (print deadline: August 31)
Up to 50 complimentary copies of the 2010 National NeighborWoods Month poster for you to display or distribute
Logo credit as a “National Sponsor” on every page of the neighborwoodsmonth.org website as well as the dedicated Sponsors page
Logo credit on the Alliance for Community Trees main website as NeighborWoods Month National Sponsor
Logo credit as a “National Sponsor” on all ACT-produced National NeighborWoods Month signage (print deadline: August 31)
Speaking opportunity at one NeighborWoods event

Silver - $15,000

Logo credit as a “Contributor” on the 2010 National NeighborWoods Month poster (print deadline: August 31)
10 complimentary copes of the 2010 National NeighborWoods Month poster for you to display or distribute
Logo credit as a “Contributor” on every page of the neighborwoodsmonth.org website as well as the dedicated Sponsors page
Logo credit on the Alliance for Community Trees main website as a NeighborWoods Month Contributing Sponsor

Bronze - $10,000

Name credit as a “Contributor” on the 2010 National NeighborWoods Month poster (print deadline: August 31)
Name credit as a “Contributor” on every page of neighborwoodsmonth.org website, as well as the dedicated Sponsors page

Project Sponsorships
As a Project Supporter, you will promote tree planting and stewardship in the communities you care about—yours. Project Sponsorships are applied to individual events in the market area of your choice. ACT will coordinate recognition and follow-through with its local partner. All you have to do is say where!

Regional - $5,000

Name credit as a “Project Supporter” on National NeighborWoods Month Sponsors page
Recognition at up to 3 NeighborWoods events in market of choice*

Local - $2,500

Name credit as a “Project Supporter” on the National NeighborWoods Month Sponsors page
Recognition at one NeighborWoods event in market of choice*

*Based on schedule and availability.

For more information about sponsorships, contact Megan Odett at 301-277-0040 or megan@actrees.org.

Urban Forest Water Resources

2013-01-01T21:44:48Z

A collaborative effort is underway to promote the benefits of using green infrastructure to protect drinking water supplies and public health, mitigate overflows from combined and separate sewers, and reduce stormwater pollution. Thank you for your interest in finding solutions to urban water quality, supply, and protection issues.]]> Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified over $300 billion for nonintegrated water supply and wastewater projects for U.S. cities in the next 20 years. Those single-purpose projects will, for the most part, serve as Band-Aids without improving other related problems facing the cities that build them. On the other hand, this massive investment- informed by integrated approaches- can leverage funds to solve multiple problems and profoundly improve the quality of life of urban residents. By incorporating green infrastructure with stormwater best management practices such as swales, retention grading, cisterns, infiltrators, and strategically-planted trees in building and landscaping designs, a multitude of benefits can be realized, including:

Improved water quality

Decreased risk of flooding

Reduced need for water importation

Heat-island effect mitigation

Reduction in contributions to global climate change

Recharged local groundwater

Improved water quality- Trees Help Cities Meet Clean Water Regulations Paved areas, which account for 20 to 40 percent of a city’s surface, pollute. They harbor exhaust-spewing cars, absorb and radiate heat, and collect contaminants that are eventually washed into the ground through rainwater runoff. Tree cover in urban areas can not only reduce cities’ costs for stormwater management but also help them improve water quality. Software such as CITYgreen uses scientific research and time-tested engineering practices to help city managers meet every tightening water quality regulations. Researchers at the Center for Urban Forest Research, Virginia Tech, Cornell University, and the University of California at Davis found that even going so far as to use engineered or structural soil can do a lot to minimize runoff from pavement. Made with natural and locally available materials, the aggregate can filter storm water as well as provide a better soil bed for trees, which offer shade, scrub the air of emissions, reduce ambient temperatures, and intercept rainfall. The vision, said McPherson is for landscape architects and engineers to think of the soil and the trees as mini reservoir system designed to filter a quantifiable amount of water and air. Decreased risk of flooding Trees are a cost effective way to reduce stormwater- exactly what is necessary with increased imperviousness. Community forests function as nonstructural stormwater management facilities. Casey Trees recently released the results of a year long study modeling the stormwater impacts of greening scenarios, including enhanced tree canopy and the increased use of green roofs in the District of Columbia. For an average year, the "Green Build-out" or high-end scenario prevented over 1.2 billion gallons of stormwater from entering the sewer system resulting in a reduction of 10 percent or over one billion gallons in discharge volumes to DC's rivers and a 6.7 percent reduction in cumulative CSO frequency (74 discharges). The model also showed that the city could achieve up to a 54% reduction in stormwater runoff within several high volume sewersheds. A separate effort is underway to design a green system that retains 100% runoff from a 25-year storm event. Reduced need for water importation Pesticides are in the nation's streams and ground water. Nearly 45 percent of our nation's water bodies remain polluted, due in significant part to stormwater runoff and non-point source pollution linked to poor land use management. Communities across America are coping with the results of poorly planned, scattered, high-impact development, which consumes an ever-increasing share of our resources and contributes to water quality degradation in our rivers, streams, lakes, shores, and groundwater. The use of pesticides to control weeds, insects, and other pests has resulted in a range of benefits, including increased food production and reduction of insect-borne disease, but has also had adverse effects on water quality. While this is at concentrations seldom likely to affect humans, that is not the case for aquatic life and fish-eating wildlife (which we then eat). More locally, urban lawns- which cover a greater land area than any one agricultural crop in the U.S.- can produce surprising quantities of nitrates, phosphates, and organic chemicals. Every time rain falls on an urban development, it washes off oils, litter, sediment, fertilizers, and foreign chemicals from streets, parking lots, lawns, dumpster pads, and metal roofs. Knowledgeable design of urban development can solve the problem of runoff quality at the source- in the land uses where pollutants are first generated and rain water first touches the ground. The solution is embedded in transportation, land use, soil and vegetation, and only secondarily requires separate engineering structures. Heat-island effect mitigation From suburban driveways to the sprawling lots around big retailers, Americans devote lots of space to parking spaces. This growing land-use trend plays a role in heating up urban areas and adding to water pollution. Vast expanses of parking lots help raise urban temperatures. Purdue University researchers surveyed the total area devoted to parking in a midsize Midwestern county and found that parking spaces outnumbered resident drivers 3-to-1 and outnumbered resident families 11-to-1. The researchers found the total parking area to be larger than 1,000 football fields, or covering more than two square miles. Paved parking lots can generate heat, raising the surrounding areas air temperature and the temperature of the first flush of stormwater, creating significant ecological impacts. In Washington, the City of Olympia's Public Works Department found that parking lots account for 53% of imperviousness on a commercial site and 15% of multi-family sites. Reduction in contributions to global climate change Human Health effects from air pollution usually involve respiratory functions and can be quite severe, but a UNICEF report now finds that as climate change worsens access to clean water is becoming more difficult. In addition, we are coming to understand the evidence on the economic impacts of climate change itself, as well as the economics of stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in pursuit of a a low-carbon economy. Recharged local groundwater We are paving our way to water shortages. The summer of 2002 will be remembered for putting Americans from coast to coast through one of the worst droughts in decades. While experts discussed the links between water shortages, erratic weather conditions, and population growth, a largely overlooked problem was how development patterns are exacerbating problems with both water quality and quantity. Increases in impervious surface cover from sprawling development impair the landscape's ability to recharge aquifers and surface waters. Trees increase soil permeability and facilitate groundwater recharge. In 2003, the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals, Trust for Public Land, and ERG put out a study to help communities address the water quality impacts of sprawl. Their findings reinforce the value of trees and links between urban forestry and stormwater management. These are just some of the benefits that are possible when urban sites are allowed to work in concert with nature and, together, create a sharp improvement in the quality of life in the neighborhoods in which we live, learn, work, and play. Rather than relying only on studies to prove this, urban forestry organizations around the country are constructing tangible projects that enable public agency staff, policymakers, and the public to see these projects at work, and then to imagine them scaled-up to the citywide or countywide level. Demonstration sites have helped initiate an ongoing process of significant changes in local and state agency missions, funding policies, designs, projects, plans, and programs. For example in Washington, DC, American Forests and Casey Trees helped area governments reduce the need for additional stormwater retention structures by 949 million cubic feet. In addition, they found that the city's trees save the region $4.74 billion in gray infrastructure costs per 30-year construction cycle. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real solutions to urban water quality, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to support their water resources. Find Out More: Center for Watershed Protection Post-Construction Manual Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Storm Retrofit Best Practices Better Site Design Handbook Tales from the Urban Forest Watershed 263 Fish Grow on Trees The Chesapeake Bay The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Small Business

2013-01-01T21:11:31Z

Shoppers like to stroll among the urban trees as they browse for purchases. And they're willing to spend more to do so. Also, properties along tree-lined streets rent for higher prices and with less turnover.]]> Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Trees Add Curb Appeal The urban forest is an important amenity that provides curb appeal, and attracts shoppers and visitors to downtown business districts. Whether tree-lined streets or pocket parks (the latter being preferable to consumers), trees help businesses attract shoppers to linger and shop for longer, ultimately willing to pay 11% more for goods and services. Consumers indicated that small green spaces provide moments of rest that allow them to regroup and then continue with his/her agenda. Trees provided an escape from the busyness, and led consumers to characterize green communities as more appealing places to shop, and extended so far as to facilitate positive merchant interactions and product quality. Even in when reinvesting in the landscaping at shopping plazas and mini-malls, consumers were willing to pay 8% more for good and services. It pays to invest in landscaping! Boost Office Rental Rates and Worker Productivity Based on a comparison of 85 office buildings that comprise 270 individual and unique leases in the Cleveland metropolitan area, social researchers found that individuals prefer buildings with good landscaping and shade provided by trees. In fact, lease holders were able to charge 7% higher rental rates for commercial office properties having a quality landscape. And when psychologists analyzed the findings, they found positioning desk workers to have a view of urban greenery results in greater job productivity and satisfaction and reduced absenteeism. Smart Growth Business leaders recognize that smart growth provides quality of life, market opportunities, and stable investments, among other benefits. Recently, communities have begun to call into the question land uses that enable efficient ingress and egress of vehicles in retail and commercial districts but gave little attention to multi-modal mobility. Some communities are redeveloping small mall zones based on "complete street" principles, expanding landscape plantings, and redeveloping the character of a business district. Trees enhance economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists. In addition to beautifying small businesses, people linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets. Even just greening commercial parking lots attracts shoppers to spend 11% more for goods and services. In addition, properties (apartments and condominiums) along tree-lined streets rent for higher prices and with less turnover. Energy Efficiency There is also an opportunity for small businesses to play a leading role in forging a solution to global climate change and rising energy prices. Yet, as of 2008, only 33% of small businesses had successfully invested in energy efficiency programs for their businesses. Our goal is to help to incentivize small businesses to make a smaller carbon footprint through planting and caring for trees. Although small businesses represent half of the nation's economy and are responsible for half of the country's energy consumption, the government spends less than two percent of the Energy Star program's $50 million annual budget reaching out to help small businesses. Now America's small business owners have a partner in Washington to help them reduce their energy costs and empower them to be on the front lines fighting global climate change. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real community revitalization, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to support their small businesses. Find Out More: Green Jobs Affordable Green Housing The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Affordable Green Housing

2013-01-01T20:55:26Z

By helping families and individuals secure dependable, healthy, affordable housing, we increase their chances of success in all areas of their lives. Part of that equation calls on housing developers to go beyond just addressing the affordability issue to include a focus on the health and environmental impacts of housing design and construction. Housing should be built in a sustainable manner that also allows for immediate operating efficiencies to keep the housing affordable over the long-term.]]> Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Affordable housing is about building homes that are accessible to employment and educational opportunities, and that people of limited means can afford to own, operate, and maintain over the long-term, creating stable, strong communities. Part of that equation is ensuring that homes are efficient- designed and built in a sustainable way to minimize their environmental impact and to reduce utility costs- and healthy- environments that improve air quality, have access to recreational opportunities, and are safe. Developers and nonprofit community and economic development organizations can work together to ensure is an increase flow of capital for investment, jobs, and community development to underserved urban and rural areas across the country. Already such partnerships are working with thousands of communities in all 50 states, providing technical assistance, professional training, investment in affordable housing, small business credit, and direct developer services. Utilizing smart development credits, we can leverage public and private equity investments for affordable housing or historic preservation projects, train economic development and housing development practitioners, and provide technical assistance. Like private investment bankers, the goal is to match the best sources of capital with project needs. But we do it for Main Street, not Wall Street. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real community revitalization, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to create sustainable economic development. Find Out More: Affordable Housing and Trees Webcast Enterprise Green Communities NeighborWorks Training Institute Green Jobs Trees Helps Small Businesses Succeed The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Corporate Social Responsibility

2013-01-01T20:39:14Z

The business model is one in which corporate, social, and environmental interests increasingly overlap in the provision of services. Through integration and collaboration, businesses can not only increase profits, but also satisfy customer's needs and solve environmental and social problems.]]> Business Benefits of Urban Forestry

Desk workers who have a view of nature report greater job productivity and satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism.

Rental rates were 7 percent higher for commercial office properties having a quality landscape.

Greener communities are characterized as being more appealing places for shoppers, including positive merchant interactions and product quality..

Shoppers report increased patronage and purchasing behavior in districts having a quality urban forest, and are ultimately willing to pay 9 to 12 percent more for goods and services in business districts having a mature tree canopy.

Aligning with Urban Forestry Environmental concerns always rank within the top four consumer issues, making urban forestry a hot-button issue. But ACT takes it one step further by focusing the environment on people. Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work, so urban forestry is simply about trees in places where there are people. Need more reasons?

80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, making urban forestry a gateway issue for businesses eager to enter new markets or increase market share.

Urban forestry brings beauty, shade, and shelter to communities, increasing property values, conserving energy, providing cleaner air/water, and improving social interaction, important economic and quality-of-life issues for the majority of consumers.

Aligning with the Alliance for Community Trees Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Partnership with ACT gives corporate entities the most mileage and leverage in their communities. Whether it's helping the community to thrive or increasing your market share, ACT knows that you expect much more from the nonprofits you support, and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our business partnership capabilities through past successes including:

Co-advertising, PR activities, and elevating, building, or differentiating a brand

Leveraging investments into multiyear initiatives and cross-marketing ventures

Growing your customer base at the same time as we grow the philanthropic donor base

Contributing to social well-being by incorporating public education/information in corporate activities and special events

Improve employee morale through volunteer opportunities

Boost your bottom-line through energy efficiency and other investments

Opportunities for Business Investment ACT's 150 member organizations are located in key consumer markets (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, among others), providing opportunities for brand-building and increased market share. In addition, ACT member organizations are led by the top urban tree experts in the country and are supported by over 1.2 million of their own members and volunteers, bestowing partners with prestige, a strong community presence, and an extraordinary reach. Innovative conservation programs and marketing projects, developed by ACT member organizations across the country, present multiple opportunities for local, regional, and national cause marketing ventures. As corporate relationships grow, new marketing opportunities arise. For example, ACT members such as Tree Trust in St. Paul, Minnesota and TreeUtah of Salt Lake City are expanding their educational reach by providing training to The Home Depot garden centers. They are taking a train-the-trainer approach that will get better quality information about tree selection, native ecology, and proper planting and care into the hands of far more consumers than the organizations could reach directly on their own. Call it viral marketing or technology transfer, the end result is correctly tailored information delivered directly to the end user, via a method consumers prefer. Contact us to discuss these and other reasons to get involved. We can design a cause-marketing program consistent with your needs and focus. Find Out More: Alliance for Community Trees Overview ACT Annual Report NeighborWoods Update 2007 NeighborWoods Update 2008 Value of Trees Fact Sheet The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Nonprofit Network and Urban Forestry News

2013-01-01T20:31:51Z

ACT members include the most innovative nonprofit tree conservation organization in the country.]]> Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Do you plant, preserve, train, or educate? Join our national coalition to:

Share resources and ideas

Access grants and online fundraising

Shape national policy- be part of a larger voice

Get NeighborWoods planning tools

Receive research and funding updates

Join a successful peer community

Promote a common agenda for trees

Nonprofit membership provides:

Email updates about policy, research, and funding

Biweekly newsletters

Promotion of your organization on the national website

Access to other community leaders around the country

Eligibility for nonprofit grants

"We have been getting so much great information and resources from ACT. We are really thrilled with our membership and the benefits we've gotten from it." - Sharon DiLorenzo, Program Manager, Capital District Community Gardens "Alliance for Community Trees - invigorating, rewarding - a place to share ideas and resources and a collective voice." - Janette Monear, Executive Director, Texas Trees Foundation "We are really pleased with the amazing amount of support we receive from ACT." - Andrew Hart, Director of Urban Forestry, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful At this moment, homeowners, elected leaders, municipal staff, developers, and others demand real solutions for how they can contribute towards a greener, more sustainable environment. Join the most innovative nonprofit tree conservation organization in the country to influence how healthy urban forests are part of the solution to seeding great communities. Find Out More: ACT Membership Brochure ACT Newsletters NeighborWoods ACT Trainings and Events National Tree Policies Urban Forestry Research The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Greener Healthier Neighborhoods

2013-01-01T20:29:12Z

Did you know that kids in tree-lined neighborhoods play outside 10% more and have lowers rates of ADD and asthma?]]> Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Cleaner Air Trees provide the oxygen we breathe. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day and eliminates as much carbon dioxide from the air as is produced from driving a car 26,000 miles. Tree leaves help trap and remove tiny particles of soot and dust which otherwise damages human lungs and tree root networks filter contaminants in soils producing clean water. Forty trees will remove 80 pounds of air pollutants annually. That is, 4 million trees would save $20 million in annual air pollution cleanup. Lower Rates of Asthma Children who live on tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma. Columbia University researchers found that asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by 25% for every extra 343 trees per square kilometer. The link between numbers of trees and asthma cases held true even after taking into account sources of pollution, levels of affluence and population density. They believe more trees aids air quality and encourages children to play outside. Childhood Obesity Play is essential to development, because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. There is a growing concern among parents, educators, physicians, and others that children aren't playing outside much anymore-not even in the back yard or the neighborhood park. This change in our relationship with nature has profound implications for the mental and physical health of future generations. The effects of sedentary indoor lifestyles are already evident among children: startling rates of childhood obesity, the onset of childhood diabetes (at one time only an adult condition), and a shortened life expectancy. Young people need opportunities to experience and learn from nature during their growing years in order to become citizens and future decision makers. The best landscape for children is often one which has been left to the power of nature. Some of these most valued features are: Water, sand or dirt, trees, bushes, and tall grass. Children place great value in being able to find and make places for themselves. In April 2006, the call to reduce childhood obesity led to the Leave No Child Inside Act. Experts hope that good health will be a major motivator in bringing families back to nature. Environmental Design Encourages Physical Activity According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65% of U.S. adults are overweight. But we're not doomed to such a high statistic. Studies show that residents of neighborhoods with abundant greenspace enjoy better general health. The character of neighborhoods exerts significant affects on residents' physical activity; thus neighborhood design is becoming a public health issue. With sidewalks and trails in place, people walk more errands such as to the store. Similar studies by RAND and in the American Journal of Public Health found that people who live within one mile of a park or public open space exercise more and are three times more likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Having a park near one's home was more important than the size of the park itself. Although the trend was only as pronounced in women who lived less than one-half mile from a park, the health benefits were found to be most apparent among the elderly, housewives, and people from lower socioeconomic groups. Not only are trees themselves beneficial, but tree stewardship programs can also be beneficial to one's health. The very acts of planting and tending trees have health benefits. However, people need help from city planners and elected leaders to build stronger, healthier cities. Poor planning harms health in several ways. While research shows that trees and nature support outdoor activity, it also shows that outdoor spaces are much more likely to be used if they are nearby, attractive, and join up with larger parks. Here's an inexpensive idea... How about we make all school parks and playgrounds accessible to children on weekends? At this moment, the nation wants action to secure safe and healthy communities, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to address public health and safety concerns. Find Out More: Urban Forestry at the Forest Service Greener Neighborhoods are Safer Communities Trees and Smart Growth The Health Benefits of Parks: How Parks Help Keep Americans and Their Communities Fit and Healthy Trees Improve the Environment Build Parks to Climate Proof Our Cities The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.

Cool Cities

2013-01-01T20:29:07Z

Ever wonder why cities are warmer than their surrounding towns? Think it might have an adverse affect on your health?... The answers are Keep reading for heat island basics. and Yes, in cities with fewer trees.]]> Urban forestry is simply about trees in places where people live. Ultimately, conservation is about empowering citizens to improve the communities where they live and work. The Alliance for Community Trees is the only national organization working to improve the urban forests where 80% of Americans live- our cities, towns, and villages. ACT's national office assembles coalitions that drive broad environmental success for our more than 180 organizations in 41 states in the pursuit of Clean Air, Green Streets, and Healthy Neighborhoods. About Urban Heat Islands Cities average 2 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than their rural surroundings. This marked increase in city temperatures is known as urban heat island effect (UHI). The effect is largely due to replacing natural green infrastructure with concrete and gray infrastructure. Under sunlight, building rooftops and roads trap and release a large quantity of heat. Cities that have been paved over do not benefit from the natural cooling effect of vegetation. Adverse Health Effects Summer- and even spring- temperatures across the U.S. can reach over 90 degrees in many cities already. Heat exhaustion is quickly turning into a more major cause of death, especially in seniors. UHI only exacerbates these already high temperatures. On average, more U.S. deaths are attributed to high temperatures than to any other weather related event. Ozone concentrations also increase with heat and can cause severe respiratory problems and death. Increased Energy Demand As air temperatures rise, so does the demand for air-conditioning (A/C). This leads to higher emissions from power plants, as well as increased smog formation, ground ozone, and acid rain. In the United States, urban heat island effect is responsible for 5-10% of peak electric demand and as much as 20% of population-weighted smog concentrations in urban areas due to A/C use alone. In the U.S., significantly more energy is consumed in the summer for cooling than in the winter for heating. It is estimated that the rising temperatures cause by UHI will increase A/C use by 3-8 percent more just to counterbalance UHI, and more than 20 million more barrels of oil at a cost of $2 billion annually. Ironically, all of those fossil fuels that we burn to stay cooler… they are warming the planet further through the emission of CO2 and NOx, causing a cascading loop. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change actually predicts more frequent, intense, and lengthy heat waves in cities that are already at risk. Green Roofs and Green Buildings Average summer temperatures in major cities across the U.S. have been on the rise over the past decade. These artificially high summer temperatures have a range of direct and indirect negative impacts on our quality of life. Green roofs are ideal for urban settings in which high-density developments offer few opportunities for mitigating increasing electricity consumption as air conditioners run longer, heat-related illnesses, and the rate at which ground level ozone forms. Like urban forests and reflective roofing surfaces, greenroofs absorb and/or deflect solar radiation so that it does not produce heat. Cool Cities- Plant a Tree One simple way to cool cities is to plant trees along sidewalks and turn rooftops into greenroofs. The evapotranspiration from vegetation and natural absorption and reflection of solar radiation will cool a community by a few degrees in the summer. Studies suggest that if 10% of city roofs were greenroofs, that the ambient temperature would be lowered by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat island mitigation is an effective air pollution control strategy, more than paying for itself in cooling energy cost savings. The cooling energy savings in the U.S. from cool surfaces and shade trees, when fully implemented, is about $5 billion per year (about $100 per air-conditioned house). Another way to look at is, reducing air temperatures in Los Angeles by just 2-3 degrees would reduce urban smog exposure by roughly the same amount as removing all vehicle exhaust in the entire LA basin. Increasing the amount of trees by even a small margin would help. The US Forest Service has found increasing the urban tree canopy by just 1% would bring maximum midday city temperatures down by .07 to .36 degrees Fahrenheit. At this moment, the nation wants action to secure real energy and climate security, action that goes beyond buzzwords such as green and sustainable. Healthy urban forests are key to helping our growing cities and towns to address climate concerns. Find Out More: Trees and Energy Savings Trees and Climate Change Tales from the Urban Forest- Urban Heat Island and Human Health Tales from the Urban Forest- Urban Health Island Problems and Solutions The Alliance for Community Trees is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization (EIN # 68-0319301), and also participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC # 12402). To discuss planned giving opportunities, call us at 301-277-0040.