By Grant Williams

Washington, DC (February 25, 2010)- The vast majority of nonprofit organizations that responded to a recent accounting survey said they coped with the bad economy in 2009 with all-around cost cutting.

By United Press International

Edgewater, MD (February 2, 2010)- U.S. scientists say they've found evidence that forests in the Eastern United States are growing faster than they have during the past 225 years. The Smithsonian Institution ecologists focused on the growth of 55 stands of mixed hardwood forest plots in Maryland. Geoffrey Parker, who has tracked the trees' growth for 20 years, said the plots range in size with some as large as 2 acres. Parker's research is based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 26 miles east of Washington in Edgewater, Md.

Irvine, CA (January 19, 2010)- Some outside the green community believe that they have dispelled the notion that urban green spaces help counteract greenhouse gas emissions with new research that has found- in Southern California at least- that total emissions would be lower if lawns did not exist. In fact, few in the green arena have ever advocated for highly-manicured and maintenance-intensive lawns as a sustainability solution.

Phoenix, AZ (January 11, 2010)- The addition of 100,000 trees over a decade could reduce annual energy demands by about 14,000 megawatt-hours annually in the Phoenix area, according to the report. Planting shade trees around homes and buildings is more than just an aesthetic consideration, it is an effective way to reduce energy bills, too, according to a new report by Western Resource Advocates.

Athens, GA (January 1, 2010)- GA Tech did a study on converting underperforming commercial property inside Atlanta into parks, and its projected impact on property values. The general concept is this: many cities overbuilt commercial property, which are now at an all time low. These underperforming commercial properties are a drag on general property values and present future problems as physical deterioration and blight set in. It would be better for everyone in the long term to invest in buying up these properties, destroying them, and turning them into park land which will ultimately add value to the remaining properties. Done strategically, this could mean greater gains in property value in the long term for the business community and banks.

San Francisco, CA (December 10, 2009)- This report from Next 10 tracks the growth of green jobs in the Golden State over the last 14 years, and finds big growth and regional hotspots for different types of environmentally oriented careers.

Washington, DC (November 1, 2009)- As part of the Digital Coast Partnership Group, NACo announces the release of the Coastal Inundation Toolkit, which contains tools and information counties need to understand and address coastal flooding issues.

Sacramento, CA (October 20, 2009)- In California a third of children, one in four teens, and over half of all adults are overweight or obese, a situation that leads to a host of health problems. Urban greening-planning healthy urban forests that encourage outdoor exercise and also provide communities with nutritional resources-has an overarching role in promoting the strategies developed to reduce the obesity epidemic in California.

Washington, DC (September 9, 2009)- A new RFF Discussion Paper highlights multiple incongruities in national forest measures from across the globe that could present a stumbling block for the development of international forest policy. "Without accuracy, appraisals of timber will be discredited, assays of biomass will be deceptive, and claims of sequestered carbon may be fraudulent," writes Paul Waggoner in "Forest Inventories: Discrepancies and Uncertainties."

Atlanta, GA (September 1, 2009)- How do you determine competitive nonprofit salaries for recruiting new employees and retaining prized talent? How does your organization's benefits compare to nonprofits of similar size and location? The Opportunity Knocks 2008/2009 National Nonprofit Wage and Benefit Report helps not only determine equitable and attractive salaries, but also assists in making a range of human resource decisions that can affect your organization's ability to attract and keep employees, thus enabling you to pursue and fulfill your nonprofit's mission.

Washington, DC (August 27, 2009)- As economic distress continues through the summer and into the fall, Americans are suffering from a "civic foreclosure" that is limiting the range and depth of their civic engagement, according to a new study by National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC). The annual America's Civic Health Index, based on survey data collected in May 2009, is a look at the state of civic engagement in America that reflects the impact of the economic crisis.

By Frank Gross, Ram Jagannathan, Warren Hughes

Vienna, VA (August 13, 2009)-Trees are one of the roadway design elements that can reduce vehicle speeds by 3 to 15 mph according to a study in the Journal of the Transportation Research Board.

Albuquerque, NM (August 13, 2009)- New Mexico's Urban and Community Forestry Program has released a new tool kit titled, Helping New Mexico Community Leaders Maximize the Benefits from Trees. Developed by green professionals, municipal leadership, and natural resource organizations across New Mexico, the "Plan Smart, Rethinking Green" Tool Kit helps community leaders develop sustainable green initiatives and programs that address local issues and priorities.

New York, NY (July 7, 2009)- Leadership, more than budget, is a key predictor of nonprofit success and appears to be one of the most important factors in organizational sustainability, a new survey conducted by the TCC Group finds. Using its online Core Capacity Assessment Tool, TCC surveyed approximately seven hundred organizations to identify ten key characteristics of financially sustainable nonprofits. The resulting report, The Sustainability Formula: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Thrive in the Emerging Economy, found that effective leadership is the strongest predictor of nonprofit sustainability, followed by fundraising/financial management and program staffing and management.

By Eric Mortenson, The Oregonian

Portland, OR (July 3, 2009)- Sustainability begins at home, too- or at least in the neighborhood. Southeast Uplift, a coalition of 20 neighborhood associations in southeast Portland, has teamed up with Portland State University students to produce a Neighborhood Climate Action Planning Handbook. The document, filled with block-level examples, is intended to be a resource for neighborhood groups interested in reducing their carbon footprint.

By Daniel C. Burcham

Newark, DE (July 1, 2009)- Community tree planting programs work to improve local and regional communities by managing trees in constructed landscapes. Trees planted by these programs provide many benefits accrued within the local ecology and valued by city residents. Although adequate research exists describing the nature, extent, and valuation of the amenities provided by urban trees, management strategies used to sustain these benefits is an area requiring additional investigation. This research examined tree establishment strategies used by community tree planting programs, which includes the selection, acquisition, and installation of trees.

Davis, CA (June 2, 2009)- The Climate Action Reserve is pleased to release the final draft of the Forest Project Protocol Version 3.0. Since the current Forest Project Protocol was adopted in November 2007, the Climate Action Reserve has worked closely with stakeholders, forest experts, environmental organizations, and government agencies to update, improve and expand the protocol.

Portland, OR (June 1, 2009)- 2008 was quite possibly the most exciting year in the short history of online activism and fundraising. The attention brought to the industry as a result of the 2008 elections motivated millions of online activists and inspired visionary engagement strategies among nonprofit practitioners. This report is an analysis of online messaging, fundraising, and advocacy metrics for nonprofit organizations.

Ann Arbor, MI (May 2, 2009)- Visitors to nonprofit websites are more likely to donate money, volunteer time, and recommend the organization to others if they are satisfied with their online experience, a new report from ForeSee Results finds.

Davis, CA (March 1, 2009)- Dr. Qingfu Xiao has just released a report on Davis Soil used in a bioswale to mitigate parking lot stormwater runoff. The results show its effectiveness in trapping pollutants, increasing stormwater retention, and making water available to trees. Davis Soil is made of natural materials readily and inexpensively available in California, and Dr. Xiao's earlier report gave it high marks when compared with other engineered soils from Cornell and Carolina State.

By Woodall, C.W.; Oswalt, C.M.; Westfall, J.A.; Perry, C.H.; Nelson, M.D.; Finley, A.O.

Washington, DC (May 1, 2009)- Scientists from the US Forest Service Northern and Southern Research Stations and Michigan State University have confirmed that geographic distribution of tree species is shifting north as a result of climate change. The results of this study, published in an article in Forest Ecology and Management, suggest that the process of northward tree migration in the eastern United States is currently underway for numerous species with rates approaching 100 km (62.1 miles) per century. The researchers also hypothesized that as northern and southern species move northward, other more generalized species may fill their niches in southern locations.

Washington, DC (May 1, 2009)- The U.S. EPA has released the first portion of its Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE) Toolkit Planning Guide to help states, local governments, and other program administrators design and implement effective energy efficiency programs. The Toolkit focuses on programs that have extensive, proven field experience, along with documentation on program design, program cost, and results. If implemented as directed, these programs should produce clear, measurable, and predictable energy savings and jobs.

Washington, DC (April 23, 2009)- An article published in Nature found that increased atmospheric pollution has enhanced plant productivity by as much as a quarter since the 1960s, resulting in as much as 10 percent more CO2 uptake in the soil worldwide. It has been assumed that clear, sunny skies are ideal for the greatest plant growth, but the presence of clouds and pollution scatter the light in the process of diffuse radiation.

University Park, PA (April 22, 2009) - Students who are the best informed about environmental science and the geosciences are also the most realistic about the environmental difficulties facing the world over the next 20 years, new research has found. But students who are least informed are the most wildly optimistic that things will improve.

Washington, DC (April 14, 2009)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new initiative called "Healthy Watersheds" that emphasizes protection and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The initiative is being introduced on a new Web site, www.epa.gov/healthywatersheds, which provides information on tools to identify and protect healthy watersheds and their components.

Washington, DC (April 10, 2009)- Katrin Scholz-Barth and Susan K. Weiler have just unveiled their newest book, "Green Roof Systems: A Guide to the Planning, Design, and Construction of Landscapes over Structure." This is the designer's one-stop resource to green roofs that merges landscape and architecture.

Syracuse, NY (March 20, 2009)- Intensive monitoring of air quality near a major highway intersection could reveal a lot about how the air outside affects the air in our indoor environment. A team of scientists here is establishing a unique air quality monitoring system that will help the researchers learn more about urban air quality and how traffic in densely populated areas affects the health of people who live near busy highways.

Washington, DC (March 15, 2009)- Studies show that people with access to parks and playgrounds exercise more. Unfortunately, many Americans lack adequate access to public recreation opportunities, a situation that contributes to the nation's current epidemic levels of obesity and associated diseases.

Lincoln, NE (March 1, 2009)- The Arbor Day Foundation has released a new guide to the more common trees found in North America by the Arbor Day Foundation uses a logical, step-by-step approach to identify common trees. By answering a series of questions and comparing features from actual leaves to those in accompanying illustrations, the reader can successfully determine the tree's identity.

Washington, DC (February 10, 2009)- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing The Municipal Handbook to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities. The handbook is presented as a series of documents (as separate chapters) that cover issues such as financing, operation and maintenance, incentives, designs, codes and ordinances, and a variety of other subjects. The handbook chapters are intended to serve as "how to" manuals on these topics, written primarily from the standpoint of municipal implementation.

Palo Alto, CA (January 1, 2009)- The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently released the results of a technical report that assesses the achievable potential for energy efficiency and demand response programs to reduce the growth rate in electricity consumption and peak demand through 2030. This "achievable potential" represents an estimated range of savings attainable through programs that encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, taking into consideration technical, economic, and market constraints. This potential does not include the impact of future codes and standards not yet enacted, or any other regulatory or policy changes (such as carbon legislation); that may contribute to even greater levels of savings. Although trees are not mentioned, for the purposes of this study, trees fit into what they classify as "External Shades."

By Bonnie Appleton and Jim Flott

Blacksburg, VA (January 1, 2009)- If the production, harvest, shipping, and planting of trees for landscape use is looked at historically, our industry didn't start with root balls packaged in burlap, rope, and wire, or in containers of varying sizes, shapes, and colors. It started with bare root fruit trees sold by itinerant salesmen. Today a perceived epidemic of tree decline exists in the United States, with an estimated 80 percent of all landscape tree problems originating below ground and relating to quality and placement of the root system.

By Richard J. Hauer, Jeffrey O. Dawson, and Les P. Werner

Stevens Point, WI (January 1, 2009)- Severe ice storms occur every year in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Midwestern and eastern regions of the United States. Ice storms annually result in millions of dollars in loss, and potentially billions of dollars in losses for extreme and widespread ice storms. Damage to electric distribution systems, blocked roadways, and property damage from fallen trees and limbs pose safety concerns and disrupt normal community functions. Tree species vary in their resistance to ice accumulation. Certain characteristics, such as weak branch junctures indicated by included bark, dead and decaying branches, a broad crown, and fine branching, increase a tree's susceptibility to ice storm damage.

Baltimore, MD (January 1, 2009)- The Communities Committee is pleased to release a new publication, "Acquiring and Managing a Community-Owned Forest: A Manual for Communities." This manual provides a guide for communities interested in establishing a community-owned forest, whether just beginning to think about a project or re-engaging community residents around land already in community ownership.

Washington, DC (December 15, 2008)- The American Planning Association, in close collaboration with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and American Forests (AF), has released a state-of-the-art best practices manual about how urban and community forestry can best be integrated into long-range and current municipal planning activities in the U.S.

Washington, DC (December 12, 2008)- Most foundations are not making the changes that they and their grantees say are essential to supporting nonprofit success, a new survey of staffed foundations commissioned by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations finds. The survey, Is Grantmaking Getting Smarter: A National Study of Philanthropic Practice, builds on a similar study conducted in 2003 by the Urban Institute in partnership with GEO.

Davis, CA (November 17, 2008)- California ReLeaf has released a preliminary report of their NUCFAC funded, "Survey of State Funding Trends." The report was presented at the Alliance for Community Trees annual meeting in Atlanta. They will still be doing some more research and writing it up in a more formal version, but welcome comments on the draft report.

Washington, DC (November 15, 2008)- The most recent data on trees in urban parks has just been released by the Trust for Public Land. The report is based on information provided by the park agencies of the 75 largest cities in the country. Before the research moves along further, Trust for Public Land welcomes any thoughts, observations, and reactions from professionals in the field.

Blacksburg, VA (November 15, 2008)- A 2004 NUCFAC-funded, technology transfer study has just been released. It is titled, Development of a Green Infrastructure Technology that Links Trees and Engineered Soil to Minimize Runoff from Pavement. The project was a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech, Cornell University, and the University of California at Davis.

Auburn, AL (November 13, 2008)- An Auburn University study sheds new light on just how valuable shade trees are in reducing homeowners' electricity bills during hot summer months. Professor David Laband in the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences says electricity usage and costs will be 11.4 percent less if a house has just 17.5 percent heavy shade coverage. This is compared to a house with no shade.

Baltimore, MD (November 1, 2008)- Chesapeake Network for Education of Municipal Officials (NEMO) helps communities foster well-planned growth, preserve water quality and protect natural areas. If you are struggling to preserve some of the rural character your community prizes, wrestling with how to control polluted runoff from construction sites and new development, or stumped by how to encourage well planned growth that keeps your community vibrant, find out how Chesapeake NEMO helps communities link land, water, and growth.

Washington, DC (November 1, 2008)- The National Association of Counties (NACo) Research Division collects examples of various county codes and ordinances, which are searchable by subject.

Washington, DC (November 1, 2008)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new publication titled, "Reducing Urban Heat Islands: A Compendium of Strategies," which describes the causes and impacts of summertime urban heat islands and promotes strategies for lowering temperatures in U.S. communities. Topics covered in currently available chapters include urban heat island basics, trees and vegetation, green roofs, cool roofs, and descriptions of a wide variety of community heat island reduction activities in the United States.

Washington, DC (November 1, 2008)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reorganized and updated its Heat Island Effect website, which provides a wealth of information on the urban heat island effect, its impacts, and strategies for communities to reduce urban temperatures. Among the many new and updated items on the site are a compendium of mitigation strategies, a database of community actions to reduce heat islands, a calendar of events, and regularly scheduled webcasts.

Washington, DC (October 22, 2008)- Environmental sustainability and climate change issues are consuming the nation's attention. As of February 2008, nearly 800 mayors have pledged to "meet or beat" the Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas emission reduction target for the United States. Local leaders of cities and regions are adopting a wide array of green community strategies such as: "green" municipal operations and construction standards, alternative forms of transportation, and "energy smart" growth. This session talks about these and other innovative implementation strategies.

By James Urban

Champaign, IL (October 1, 2008)- Healthy Soils and other essential requirements are critical to the success of trees, but are often missing in the design concepts of contemporary urban landscapes. Up by Roots is a manual for landscape architects, architects, urban foresters, and planners who are designing, specifying, installing, and managing trees in the built environment.

By Elizabeth A. Thomson

Cambridge, MA (September 23, 2008)- Sensor system runs on electricity generated by trees. MIT researchers and colleagues are working to find out whether energy from trees can power a network of sensors to prevent spreading forest fires. What they learn also could raise the possibility of using trees as silent sentinels along the nation's borders to detect potential threats such as smuggled radioactive materials.

Eugene, OR (September 21, 2008) In the recent Nature Geoscience, researchers blamed climate change as the major reason behind wildfires. The study, by a nine-member team from seven institutions, also attributes larges swings in burning to clearance and fire suppression during the industrial era. The data came from the analysis of 406 sedimentary charcoal records from lakebeds on six continents. Charcoal levels can track both the incidence and severity of wildfire activity over long periods of time.

Baltimore, MD (September 1, 2008)- The Communities Committee undertook a two-part study to explore perceptions of and participation in Community-based Forestry (CBF) in the United States to assess how participants perceive the current state of CBF in practice. The aim of the study was to learn more about the priority issues that practitioners face, their vision for CBF in the years ahead, and how support organizations can help meet their needs in order to advance the CBF movement.

Washington, DC (September 1, 2008)- Trust for Public Land recently released a publication that addresses climate change and urban parks. Specifically, the white paper identifies and quantifies the greenhouse gas benefits of urban greenspaces (neighborhood parks, bike paths, river parkways, community gardens, street trees, and water resources solutions) and mitigation measures such as carbon sequestration, reduction of "heat island" effect, improved groundwater recharge, reduced VMT, improved walk-ability of neighborhoods.

Davis, CA (July 1, 2008)- The California Climate Action Registry is in its final review stages. At the beginning of June, nearly two years of work came to an end with the draft of the Urban Forest Project Protocol to the California Climate Action Registry. Since then, the team has made adjustments to the Protocol to suit the overarching policy framework of the California Registry as well as the Climate Action Reserve.

Washington, DC (July 1, 2008)- The Northeast-Midwest Institute has completed a new report entitled, "The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Brownfields Redevelopment." The paper summarizes established quantifiable impacts of brownfields redevelopment in the areas of environmental, economic, community, and fiscal effects. On the economic development side, there are employment gains, leveraged investment, and revitalized neighborhoods. Fiscal impacts include generating new sources of local revenue derived from previously unproductive land and lowering requirements for investment in infrastructure to accommodate growth. On the environmental side, brownfields redevelopment, when compared to greenfields development, saves land from the negative externalities associated sprawl, reduces air emissions and greenhouse gases, improves water quality through reduced runoff, and generally accommodates growth in an environmentally responsible fashion.

By David J. Hirschman and John Kosco, Tetra Tech

Washington, DC (July 1, 2008)- The Center for Watershed Protection has developed a new manual called: Managing Stormwater in Your Community: A Guide for Building an Effective Post-Construction Program. This manual was developed to assist Phase II communities in developing and building effective post-construction stormwater programs.

By Catriona E. Rogers and John P. McCarty

Washington, DC (July 1, 2008)- Interactions between climate and biological invasions are the theme of a special section in the June 2008 issue of Conservation Biology. The Environmental Law Institute's Invasive Species Program and the U.S. EPA's Global Change Research Program brought together leading experts to assess the state of scientific knowledge on climate and invasive species. Together several articles were created that contribute significantly to the state of scientific knowledge on how a changing climate will affect patterns of invasion.

Washington, DC (June 17, 2008)- The State of the Nation's Ecosystems 2008 report released by the Heinz Center provides authoritative documentation of key environmental trends. A companion report calls for bold federal and state action to strengthen and integrate the nation's environmental monitoring.

Seattle, WA (June 15, 2008)- This report on U.S. cities' efforts to conserve energy and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that threaten our planet has been prepared for the Mayors Climate Protection Summit in Seattle. It is based on information submitted to The U.S. Conference of Mayors by mayors who applied for the First Annual Mayors' Climate Protection Awards, announced in June during our 2007 Annual Conference of Mayors in Los Angeles, and by mayors planning to participate in the Seattle Summit.

Washington, DC (June 13, 2008)- In today's issue of Science, Gordon Bonan of the National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) presents the current state of understanding how forests impact global climate. The report says there are roughly 42 million square kilometers of forest on Earth, covering almost a third of the land surface, and those environments play a key role in both mitigating and enhancing global warming. Bonan said, "Forests have been proposed as a possible solution [to mitigate global warming], so it is imperative that we understand fully how forests influence climate."

Washington, DC (June 3, 2008)- A report released by a coalition of conservation and labor groups claims that workers at every skill level will be in high demand and enjoy greater job security in those key industries essential to building a clean energy economy in America and fighting global warming. The report, "Job Opportunities for the Green Economy," takes a state-by-state look at existing jobs skills across a wide range of occupations and income levels that would benefit from America's transition towards a clean energy economy. The report quantifies the number of workers who can apply their skills to six categories of green industries-building retrofits, mass transit, fuel-efficient automobiles, wind power, solar power, and cellulosic biomass fuels.

New York, NY (May 1, 2008)- Children who live on tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, a New York-based study says. Columbia University researchers found that asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by 25% for every extra 343 trees per square kilometre. They believe more trees aids air quality and encourages children to play outside. The study appears in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Washington, DC (May 1, 2008)- The National Wildlife Federation has recently released a report about getting kids outside to play. The report, titled "Connecting Today's Kids with Nature: A Policy Action Plan," is quite timely report as summer approaches. Most adult Americans associate summer vacation with vigorous outdoor activity, but research indicates that many children are actually gaining weight during the summer. This guide outlines policy solutions for parents and policymakers, including connecting kids to nature through environmental education, advocating for better community design for natural play areas, and encouraging parents and kids to engage in a daily Green Hour.

By Thomas Cahill et al

Sacramento, CA (April 30, 2008)- Measurements of diesel and smoking car exhaust identify that almost all resulting mass is smaller in size than even very fine particles including some of the most toxic outputs such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). This makes their uptake to human lungs and ability to diffuse to surfaces very easy. However, a recent study showed that vegetation near very fine particle sources can be effective in removing some of the most toxic particles in the air before they get mixed into the regional air mass.

London (April 29, 2008)- A UNICEF UK report found that the world's poorest and most vulnerable children are being hit the hardest by the impact of climate change. The report, "Our Climate, Our Children, Our Responsibility: The Implications of Climate Change for the World's Children," says access to clean water and food supplies will become more difficult, particularly in Africa and Asia. Further, children in poorer countries face a future in which disasters, violence and disease will be more frequent and intense, clean water and food supplies will diminish, and incomes and productivity will fall.

Baltimore, MD (April 21, 2008)- The Communities Committee offers a Quick Guide that provides an introduction to community-owned and managed forests as an approach to conserving private forests that has been gaining increasing attention. The Quick Guide captures key information and learning shared at the conference and from more recent experiences in community-owned forests. It discusses what community forests are and the benefits they provide, outlines the background leading to efforts to increase community ownership of forestlands, provides examples of community forests from across the country, and introduces how communities can acquire and manage forests.

Washington, DC (April 7, 2008)- A report by Doctors for the Environment Australia, entitled "Climate Change Health Check 2020," predicts a growing incidence of heat stress, heat-related illness and trauma from extreme weather changes and infectious diseases. Co-author Dr. Graeme Horton says climate change is already a reality and is set to become a key challenge for the health system over the coming decade. Horton said, "Clearly, climate change will place our health system under increasing stress, and as always the elderly, children and the vulnerable will be hardest hit."

Kealia, HI (March 1, 2008)- This book, Engaging Uninvolved Communities in Urban Forestry: It's About More Than Trees, rich with colorful photographs and vivid case studies, takes you to inspiring urban greening projects across the nation. Though the settings and social issues at the project sites vary they have one thing in common: urban greening was used as a catalyst to improve living situations.

Flushing, NY (March 1, 2008)- As part of the reauthorization of the 1990 Farm Act, Congress provided $20 million to begin a national tree-planting initiative. The National Tree Trust (NTT) was created to invest and use these funds. As its program was developed, a partnership was established with a number of large forest products companies, such as Georgia Pacific and International Paper. Through this partnership, millions of small tree seedlings were distributed to thousands of locations across the country. Volunteers in rural and exurban areas were able to use the seedlings and successfully execute planting projects; however, in urban areas, this system did not work well because the seedlings were too small to be successfully out-planted in most cities.

Washington, DC (March 1, 2008)- The Preliminary Report on the Standards and Guidelines for Sustainable Sites is the result of more than a year of work by a diverse group of experts in development, design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes. It is based on a review of current science as well as best practices in the industries involved. The report details the important contributions to the environment made by soils, hydrology, vegetation, and materials and how sustainable sites benefit people who view and enjoy them.

By: Steve Bratkovich, Jim Bowyer, Kathryn Fernholz, and Alison Lindburg

Boston, MA (March 1, 2008)- Most analyses related to U.S. timberland and timber production focus on forest land that is producing, or is capable of producing, more than 20 cubic feet per acre per year of industrial wood crops under natural conditions, is not withdrawn from timber use, and is not associated with urban or rural development. It's quite reasonable to focus our research and attention on these commercial forest lands due to their size and economic, social and environmental importance. However, there are other categories of forested areas in the U.S. that tend to "fall through the cracks," and that are rarely researched or discussed regarding their potential to provide wood-based products. Urban forests of the United States are such an example.

By Kathleen L. Wolf

Seattle, WA (February 1, 2008)- Research shows that trees and nature are an important element of outdoor environments that support activity. Not only are trees themselves beneficial, but tree stewardship programs can also be beneficial to one's health. Volunteer stewards of all ages who routinely tend trees or work on urban forestry projects are probably gaining health benefits.

Davis, CA (February 1, 2008)- For those who live in the Interior West or the Northeast, there are new versions in the series of Community Tree Guides. These peer-reviewed publications provide regionally based information and quantification of the many benefits that trees provide. They offer help adapting the data to fit your city's circumstances and suggest ways to maximize benefits through strategic planting.

Washington, DC (February 1, 2008)- The American Public Works Association received a grant from the U.S. Forest Service to develop a series of best management practices on effective urban forestry management. Teaming up with the Society of Municipal Arborists and Davey Resource Group, American Public Works Association developed this project to strengthen communications between urban foresters and public works professionals by creating a series of reports and conducting an education campaign on urban forestry management.

By Kathleen Wolf

Seattle, WA (January 13, 2008)- Kathy Wolf's latest research about how trees support the success of retail districts focuses on shopping plazas and mini-malls. A ubiquitous land use across the country, thousands of small shopping plazas are reaching the end of their lifespan and present a prime opportunity for redevelopment. As these shopping areas are redeveloped, the University of Washington researcher offers a convincing argument for additional investment in landscaping. Similar to patterns found among main street retailers, Wolf found that consumers are willing to pay 8.8% more for good and services in well landscaped malls.

By Kathleen L. Wolf

Seattle, WA (January 1, 2008)- More than 80 percent of the U.S. population now lives in cities, and as urban greening continues, nature can be used to provide a range of amenities for people who live, work, and learn in urban communities. Many of us know that the urban forest improve air quality and reduce urban heat island effects, but urban plants and nature also are linked with all sorts of positive affects such as greater job productivity, improved school performance, stronger social ties within communities, and less crime.

Cambridge, MA (January 1, 2008)- The College Sustainability Report Card is a comparative evaluation of campus and endowment sustainability activities at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. In contrast to the academic focus on sustainability in research and teaching, the Report Card examines colleges and universities, as institutions, through the lens of sustainability.

Santa Fe, NM (January 1, 2008)- In the United States, Canada and overseas, there is a growing concern among parents, educators, physicians, and others. 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, physical, and spiritual health of future generations- and for the health of the natural world. Young people need opportunities to experience and learn from nature during their growing years in order to become citizens and future decision makers.

San Francisco, CA (December 19, 2007)- The Center for Urban Forest Research has just published the San Francisco Bay Area State of the Urban Forest Final Report, written by Jim Simpson and Greg McPherson. The document provides a wealth of information about the benefits of the area's trees, as well as the historic changes in the urban forests of the San Francisco Bay area. It also offers inspiration for residents of other regions to learn about the ecosystem services their urban forests provide and to work to care for their trees.

Ft. Collins, CO (December 15, 2007)- In 2000, the Ford Foundation initiated the Community-Based Forestry (CBF) Demonstration Program to help communities build forest and natural resource assets in order to provide sustainable new jobs and enterprises, increase family income, revitalize land-based cultures, and improve ecosystem health. Financial and technical support were provided to 13 "Implementing Partners" across the U.S. to initiate or enhance innovative tools and strategies that would lead to the demonstration program's goals.

Camden, NJ (December 1, 2007)- In the summer 2007 semester, the Rutgers Business School consulting team worked with the high school student exchange organization, AFS-USA, to research successful volunteer practices of up-to 100 successful nonprofit organizations in a variety of services and industries. The companies selected to participate, including the Alliance for Community Trees, were based on Rutgers' web/library research and with the assistance/advice of AFS-USA. The hope is that these results could be used to benefit a diverse array of organizations to continuously improve their volunteering program.

Madison, WI (December 1, 2007)- The Wisconsin DNR- Bureau of Forestry has released a new publication: A Technical Guide to Developing Urban Forestry Strategic Plans & Urban Forest Management Plans. Planning is key to effective management of any program. Good plans make the difference between cost-effective, proactive management and costly crisis management. Plans establish focus and direction. They provide the framework for program implementation and a basis for consistent decision making. They are tools for determining budgets and other support needs.

Washington, DC (November 15, 2007)- A first draft of the Regreen Guidelines has been completed and is currently available for public comment through December 10. Any member of the public can comment on the Regreen guidelines draft, but they are particularly interested in getting feedback from professionals to whom these Regreen guidelines are most directed.

Philadelphia, PA (November 1, 2007)- Dr. Kelli Hoover, Associate Professor of Entomology at Pennsylvania State University, is leading research to determine the potential role of Asian Longhorned Beetles in the biofuel industry. The beetles, which measure 1-1.5 inches and have black shells with white specks, carry microbes in their guts that can break up lignin, the material that makes living trees hard. The cellulose left behind can be broken down further and then fermented into ethanol that has a higher net energy balance and reduces greenhouse gas emissions even more than does corn starch ethanol.

Davis, CA (November 1, 2007)- We would all prefer to walk down a tree-lined street to one without trees, but did you know that the street itself prefers to run under trees? This report examines the cost-saving benefits of having shaded streets. 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.

Hyattsville, MD (October 29, 2007)- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service recently completed a study of Hyattsville's 2,900 roadside trees. The total annual value of benefits provided by the trees equals $281,389. Each individual tree contributes $96.30 in annual benefits and $18.53 in annual benefits per capita. The study utilized the USDA Forest Service iTREE software.

New Haven, CT (October 5, 2007)- GfK Public Affairs and Media, a division of GfK Custom Research North America and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies today released the first installment of a new quarterly survey called the GfK Roper/Yale Survey on Environmental Issues. The first of its kind to measure public opinion of local government-led green initiatives, the survey found that a majority of Americans support a variety of city and local climate change policies to minimize the effects of global warming.

Los Angeles (September 17, 2007)- This 50-page report offers a candid description of the integrated, multi-partner process used to implement three projects that showcase alternative technologies for capturing and using stormwater. From concept to completion and beyond, the publication looks both at the successes and the challenges encountered. The case studies, which include a single-family home and two school campuses, reveal the feasibility of retrofitting existing sites to function as miniature watersheds by using stormwater best management practices such as cisterns, swales, infiltration basins and strategically-planted trees. Technical information and plans are also presented.

Science Daily (September 12, 2007)- From suburban driveways to the sprawling lots that spring up around big retailers, Americans devote lots of space to parking spaces- a growing land-use trend that plays a role in heating up urban areas and adding to water pollution, according to a recent study. Purdue researcher Bryan Pijanowski says vast expanses of parking lots help raise urban temperatures and add to water pollution.

By Tracy Staedter

Washington, DC (September 10, 2007)- Paved areas pollute. They harbor exhaust-spewing cars, absorb and radiate heat, and collect contaminants that are eventually washed into the ground through rainwater runoff. But a new kind of engineered soil could curb pavement pollution. 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.

Minneapolis, MN (August 20, 2007)- This publication was created by Tree Trust, a Minnesota nonprofit, and Bonestroo, a Minnesota planning and engineering firm, to better institutionalize codes and standards for designing communities with trees. These guidelines will help organizations integrate urban forestry goals with urban development projects.

Athens, GA (August 17, 2007)- Jeffrey Dean, professor of forest biotechnology in the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, is spearheading a project at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute (JGI) that will greatly expand the gene catalog for pines and initiate the first gene discovery efforts in five other conifer families.

The GreenWorks! Connecting Community Action and Service Learning Guide is for educators who want to partner with a business, nonprofit, or other community organization on an environmental action project- and for the people in those organizations who want to partner with a local school. The guide also supports teachers wanting to involve their students in service learning activities.

New York (August 2007)- The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has released a new report discussing the complexity of the climate change problem, the policy and legislation needed to create change, and the increasingly important role that philanthropy can play in this area.

Ellicott City, MD (August 2007)- Over the last four years, the Center for Watershed Protection produced a series of 11 manuals that describe the techniques to restore small urban watersheds. The entire series of manuals were written to organize the enormous amount of information needed to restore small urban watersheds. Manual 3: Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices has now been released.

Atlanta (August 1, 2007)- The Home Depot Foundation has released Stronger, Healthier Cities through Trees: A Resource Guide in three parts. The Guide makes the case for greener cities, presents a strategy for growing with trees, offers some successful policies and programs for urban forestry, features community forestry case studies, and provides various other resources and contacts.

San Francisco, CA (August 1, 2007)- This new study from VolunteerMatch, presented with the support of the MetLife foundation and sponsored by Atlantic Philanthropies, takes a closer look at the types of volunteer opportunities older adults are looking for in order to provide useful insights for nonprofits interested in expanding their capacity to attract and engage this talented population.

London (July 29, 2007)- A study published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London blames global warming for an increase in tropical storms. "We're seeing a quite substantial increase in hurricanes over the last century, very closely related to increases in sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean," said study author Greg Holland of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado.

Washington, DC (July 1, 2007)- Obesity is the most serious public health problem confronting America today. Obese and overweight Americans face elevated risks of chronic illness and disability. As the obesity epidemic worsens, researchers are zeroing in on environmental factors that may contribute to the problem or, conversely, help to prevent it. It is increasingly clear that neighborhoods play an important role in stimulating exercise and reducing the risk of obesity.

London, UK (July 1, 2007)- This Climate Group study discovered that two-thirds of US and British consumers cannot name a single green brand. Similarly, the 2007 National Technology Readiness Survey of 1,025 US adults found that though more than two-thirds say they prefer to do business with environmentally responsible companies, almost half add that it is difficult to find green goods and services.

Davis, CA (June 26, 2007)- The Urban Forest Carbon Protocol Outline is a framework for calculating carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits provided by urban trees. Developed by USDA Forest Service research Greg McPherson, it is intended to be used by entities that own, control, or manage large numbers of urban trees (e.g., cities, utilities, universities).

By Kathleen Wolf and Karen Dixon

Seattle, WA (June 25, 2007)- Placement of trees and landscape features within the urban right-of-way is often perceived by transportation officials as a safety risk. Conversely, there are many community benefits that may result from having roadside landscape, and advocates of urban forestry encourage roadside plantings. Within urban environments transportation mobility and accessibility needs should be balanced with urbanites' health and welfare.

By Greg McPherson, Ph.D.
USDA Forest Service, Director, Center for Urban Forest Research

Davis, CA (March 12, 2007)- Several stories have appeared recently in popular news outlets suggesting that trees are not a solution in the fight against global warming. While these pop-media pieces represent the views of a few researchers, an overwhelming body of peer-reviewed research from forest scientists around the world point to the importance of forests in reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, and slowing the build-up of that greenhouse gas.

Oakland, CA (June 1, 2007)- The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) has developed three brochures on cool roofs, aimed at: a) building owners, facility mangers, architects, and roofing specifiers; b) Code bodies and building officials; and c) Roofing manufacturers and sellers.

In 1984, Roger Ulrich completed the best-known and most thorough study linking views of nature to hospital recovery. Records on recovery after cholecystectomy of patients in a suburban Pennsylvania hospital between 1972 and 1981 were examined to determine whether assignment to a room with a window view of a natural setting might have restorative influences.

Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment. It is a means for the global scientific community to come together to produce the first free, expert-driven, massively scaleable information resource on the environment, and to engage civil society in a public dialogue on the role of environmental issues in human affairs. It contains no commercial advertising and reaches a large global audience.

Cocoa, FL (May 18, 2007)- The Florida Solar Energy Center has recently produced a final report on building and commissioning and green roof technology. With a second season of summer data, this report is an update to a previous study they published on green roof energy analysis.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) is a free software tool for selecting environmentally preferred, cost-effective building products. Environmental and economic performance are combined into an overall performance measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis. Version 4.0 updates data on more than 200 products and adds 30 new products for review. It also offers users the option of a new set of consensus weights for scoring the environmental impact of individual building products.

Washington, DC (May 15, 2007)- 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 that could accommodate green roofs. Per unit area, green roofs intercept and store almost four times more rainwater than trees.

Washington, DC (May 14, 2007)- A discussion group on developing an integrated cool roof energy savings calculator to replace the two existing federal calculators has been formed. Comments are being sought.

by Rogert A. Hart
Children's Environments Research Group

Usually landscape planners think of gross motor activity when they think of planning and design for children: running, jumping, swinging, and climbing. This is seen as important to the physical health of children. If one simply reflects upon ones own childhood, however, it becomes clear that this is a limited view. It is equally important to consider opportunities for diversity of sensory experience and aesthetic development; the development of competence and autonomy through freedom to explore and manipulate the environment; cooperation with others; and experience with other living things for their psychological and existential value.

Medford, MA and Washington, DC (May 2007)- Say you are a European musician who is on tour in the US, or a researcher from Boston who needs to attend a conference on the West coast, or you just would like to visit your grandmother who lives back in India. With airtravel still being cheap, you will probably not think much and just book a flight to that the destination. Some of us fly so frequently, we can even afford to upgrade to business class at no extra cost. With Al Gore's movie 'An Inconvenient Truth' and the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, many of us have become more sensitized to the serous threats of climate change. If you travel frequently, air travel, unfortunately contributes a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gases to your personal climate change footprint. The Tufts Climate Initiative and the Brookings Institution review several carbon curbing solutions.

A 2003 study by the Trust for Public Land reinforced that urban forestry and community gardens are good partners. Largely basing this assertion on a University of Illinois study, they concluded that trees help to foster an environment of reduced stress and a better aware community.

In a study conducted in Chicago's Robert Taylor Homes public housing development, girls who lived in apartments with greener, more natural views scored better on tests of self-discipline than those living in more barren but otherwise identical housing.

The Mellon Financial Corporation is offering "Discover Total Resources: A Guide for Nonprofits," a guide to help board members, staff, and volunteers discover resources that have been used effectively by a variety of nonprofits. The guide goes beyond "checkbook philanthropy" to the concept of total community resources by shifting from the traditional emphasis on volunteers, corporations, and foundations to focus on people, money, goods, and services. A checklist of resources and techniques is included to help nonprofits reduce their vulnerability and increase their opportunities.

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 with the specific intent of providing 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.

The National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals, Trust for Public Land, and ERG put out a study in 2003 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.

by Michael Kuhns
Extension Forestry Specialist
Utah State University

Logan, UT (March 2, 2007)- We all hear a great deal these days about global warming and its potential problems. And, we who work with landscape and urban trees have heard claims that we can greatly reduce these problems by planting and caring for trees. Certainly trees are good for our environment. But can trees make a difference in global warming? If so, how do they have an effect and how many trees are needed?

By Deborah A. Cohen, MD, MPH, et al.
American Journal of Public Health

(March 2007)- Parks provide places for people to experience nature, engage in physical activity, and relax. This study shows how residents in low-income, minority communities use public, urban neighborhood parks and how parks contribute to physical activity.

According to a study that will appear in the February 17, 2007 issue of the journal, The Lancet, researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California found that children who lived within 500 meters of a freeway since age 10 had substantial deficits in lung function by the age of 18 years, compared to children living at least 1,500 meters away.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the findings from their annual ranking of the 100 most challenging places to live with asthma. For 2007, Atlanta, Georgia has been named as the top Asthma Capital.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Thinking green does not take much space! Learn how even small bits of land can provide neighborhood green space and collective parcels of neighborhood green add up to a land use system that provides beauty, relaxation, and activity. Community practitioners and green experts from cities across the country will share their efforts to bring green space to the back door of citizens in dense, urban environments.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Suburban communities have their own culture, growth patterns, and demographics. The suburbs are critical to the success of Smart Growth in dozens of regions across the country. Smart Growth policymakers must understand what drives suburban communities so they can fashion realistic planning, land use, and transportation strategies.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Public health plays an important role in creating healthier communities. State and local health agencies, in particular, provide the necessary leadership to assist in the development and implementation of innovative and creative smart growth policies and environmental modifications.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Global warming presents perhaps the most overwhelming challenge that we have met to date. Fortunately, state and local leaders are emerging to help address this enormous threat. A panel of those working at the local level will be lead by a forward-thinking member of the California Energy Commission with responsibility for addressing global warming through Smart Growth.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Using the natural landscape as a fundamental design component across the transect can create beautiful places that function well both environmentally and economically. Natural landscape functions--mimicked through "soft" engineering, protected in their original form, or restored through careful intervention--help create valuable amenities while also managing environmental quality and providing critical habitat.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- The 2007 federal Farm Bill provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally change U.S. agricultural policy so that it better serves farmers, consumers and those who care about the use of land. In particular, it could strengthen the ability of agriculture to withstand the pressures of urban sprawl and to improve environmental quality near populated areas, contributing to more livable cities.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Across the country, the state of the built environment -- the design of neighborhoods and man-made structures such as buildings, roads and sidewalks -- is having detrimental effects on the public's health. Building healthier communities can help address existing health disparities.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Smart growth advocates are making impressive progress in revitalizing our downtowns; cutting-edge developers are providing us with some excellent models for greenfield developments; even some industrial areas are being transformed into hip, lively places to live. But what to do about that auto-dominated, look-alike, declining strip development found in communities all over the country?

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Atlantic-based hurricanes are in a high occurrence cycle, the planet's temperature is rising, conventional development patterns are still the overwhelming norm and vehicle miles traveled is increasing throughout the country. Interest in climate change and the between growth patterns and their impacts is increasing.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- A central principal of smart growth, open space preservation can be elusive due to a host of forces. Learn how two successful projects demonstrate lessons learned to create and preserve urban parks. Discuss vision, navigating the political climate, cross-government collaboration, and long-term stewardship, and learn to manage public participation, tap local knowledge, and generate grassroots support.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Local governments across the country are looking to sustainable development practices to preserve the quality of life and promote greater environmental stewardship. Learn about two tools that can assist local governments in guiding development in a more sustainable direction.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Growth and land conservation are often seen as two opposing forces. Explore a new paradigm where development and conservation are compatible and complimentary. The Forest Service will moderate a discussion of three strategic and collaborative approaches to managing growth and conservation along the rural/urban gradient.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Learn about innovative ways in which regional agencies are working to simultaneously reduce traditional air pollution and greenhouse gases. These efforts are linked to new land use and transportation strategies developed to slow urban sprawl and encourage alternative modes of transportation beyond the auto, directly reducing vehicle miles traveled.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Discuss the fundamentals of Health Impact Assessment (HIA), provide examples of HIA from different aspects, all in the context of smart growth. In addition, work through a "rapid" HIA exercise that will give hands-on experience and the knowledge necessary to leave the room and conduct a prospective health analysis of a built project.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Concurrently tie together the multi-disciplinary fabric of smart growth for professionals of all backgrounds and experience levels. Based on the success of this session at the 2006 New Partners Smart Growth in Denver, conference participants will be provided with a fresh, thought-provoking understanding of how key smart growth principles contribute, simultaneously, to important quality of life issues.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Public safety is a critical factor in smart growth planning, given that crime and fear have such a pronounced impact on property values, the ability of children to walk to school, the success of businesses, prospects for new investment and the overall health of residents. Likewise, planners and community developers can greatly influence crime patterns as they shape the physical environment and the landscape of economic and social opportunities in a given place.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Uncover key opportunities, responsibilities and challenges for the health sector in designing and building facilities that promote community health. Past and current strategies in designing healthcare facilities to be "healthy buildings" have focused on environmental sustainability and environmental health issues, such as the siting of buildings and the use of "green" materials.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- 2006 was a banner year for critical state eminent domain and takings legislation that is re-shaping local capacity to redevelop and build smart, compact communities of choice. With a flurry of action in over 30 states and several major initiatives currently in play, smart growth, local government, and community advocates are on the front line of land use regulation. Learn about what is happening, implications for communities, and challenges they face challenges to come in 2007.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Smart growth looks at where we build and attempts to curb the sprawl that's become prevalent across the U.S. But to really grow smartly we need to look at not just where we grow, but how we grow. The built environment plays a major impact on our environment - the building sector consumers 40 percent of all the world's energy and material resources.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- There are various rating systems around the nation, each designed to measure the successes of specific programs. While there may be spin-off benefits, but there also pitfalls with adopting these systems. Learn about the LEED-ND rating system (which will be in its pilot stage), what it is designed to promote, and its intended audience.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- An important angle of Smart Growth is coalition-building and linking concerns between smart growth advocates and education equity and reform advocates. Cutting-edge collaborations across the country are working to break through the longtime intractable problems that held back both schools and the communities in which they serve.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Many urban areas are dealing with vacant and abandoned properties while at the same time experiencing booming land prices. Beyond using eminent domain or tax liens, most cities do not have the capacity to acquire property and hold it for redevelopment at the right time. Learn how entrepreneurial nonprofits are working with financial institutions and foundations to create long-term acquisitions funds that help reclaim vacant, abandoned or underutilized land in urban areas.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Ever feel overwhelmed by the financing options that make smart growth happen? What will be the most effective? Which will provide the most return on investment? What steps can I take to ensure that the tools that I use can encourage smart growth? Explore some of the most common, but at times, misused and misunderstood resources from the tax toolbox.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- This introduction is geared towards those who are new to the practice of implementing smart growth solutions, learning about topics such as the ten principles of smart growth, the process of how land development typically occurs, and the basics of planning and zoning for smart growth.

Los Angeles (February 8, 2007)- Join national experts and designers to explore different regional and site-specific strategies for minimizing stormwater runoff in smart growth communities. Examine approaches for allocating projected growth regionally and then apply site specific stormwater strategies to further minimize runoff, and work with architects and urban designers to figure out the best stormwater strategies for a variety of urban design barriers, such as infill sites, narrow streets, and compact buildings.

Just published, The Health Benefits of Parks: How Parks Help Keep Americans and Their Communities Fit and Healthy draws from the latest research to outline the ways in which parks, open space, greenways, and trails support and promote healthy lifestyles, potentially decreasing health care costs. The second in Trust for Public Land's planned series of white papers on park benefits, the 24-page report is intended to help park professionals and volunteers make the case for parks as a wise community investment.

Chicago (January 2007)- Researchers have shown for the first time that the same pattern of unwise land use can adversely affect a wide range of health indicators, including obesity and air pollution. This comprehensive study is the first to be commissioned by a local government to assess multiple health impacts of the built environment. The study's findings were reported in the special health edition of the Journal of the American Planning Association (JAPA), the scholarly journal of the American Planning Association.

The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) is the largest state health survey and one of the largest health surveys in the United States. Data from the 2005 CHIS is now available. CHIS data on asthma rates and other health issues may be useful to environmental advocates. Asthma prevalence measures from the 2005 CHIS data show that 1 in 6 children has been diagnosed with asthma, up from 1 in 7 in 2003.

Washington, DC (January 29, 2007)- Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, is a well-known leader, practitioner and administrator in the world of public health. Here, he talks about the connections between land use and public health, and the important role that community design plays in protecting and improving health. In addition, he discusses ways public health practitioners can bring value to discussions in partnership with those engaged on designing and building more livable communities.

One of the nation's largest new renewable energy projects is now in service in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, producing power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the state through the burning of wood chips. This slideshow walks through the steps involved in converting woody biomass to energy.

Washington, DC (January 6, 2007)- Adolescent girls who live within one-half mile of a public park are significantly more physically active than other girls, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

London (January 2, 2007)- Commissioned by the United Kingdom's economics and finance ministry, the Stern Review is an independent report assessing the evidence and building understanding of the economics of climate change.

Minneapolis, MN (January 1, 2007)- GardenWorks Minnesota has compiled a list of research-based benefits of community gardens ranging from improved diets to crime prevention and the urban ecosystem to the local economy. Other key metrics include an increase in exercise, better local food production, an increase in the use of the outdoors as a classroom for youth, and horticultural therapy.

By Johnson, Jill R. et al

St. Paul, MN (January 1, 2007)- One common issue facing our urban forests is the fact that trees are dying prematurely. Most are planted improperly, many do not receive regular maintenance, and few are adequately protected during construction projects. To help remedy this issue, the Forest Service has created this Tree Owner's Manual.

By Kenneth R. Ginsburg

Washington, DC (January 1, 2007)- Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. This report addresses a variety of factors that have reduced play, including a hurried lifestyle, changes in family structure, and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities at the expense of recess or free child-centered play. This report offers guidelines on how pediatricians can advocate for children by helping families, school systems, and communities consider how best to ensure that play is protected as they seek the balance in children's lives to create the optimal developmental milieu.

By Edward F. Gilman and Laura Sadowski

Gainesville, FL (January 1, 2007)- Tree selection does not end with choosing the appropriate species or cultivar for the planting site. Suitable nursery stock must be chosen based on planting site conditions and intended after-care, which should dictate maximum tree size at planting, root ball characteristics, appropriate tree production method, and tree structure.

Two surveys of parents of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have shown that performing activities in green settings can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Adding trees and greenery near homes and schools and encouraging kids with ADHD to go outside may help supplement established treatments to improve functioning.

A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in December 2006 shows that death rates for asthma among children under age 18 have declined since 1999, while doctor visits for the condition have more than doubled. While the death rate has been decreasing, the overall prevalence of childhood asthma cases is at historically high levels in the United States following dramatic increases from 1980 until the late 1990s.

One way to help counteract carbon dioxide emissions is to plant trees. Trees absorb CO2 from the air, and use it during the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, CO2 is chemically broken down into oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere, and carbon, which is stored, or sequestered, in the tree's trunk, branches and roots. According to estimates by American Forests, one tree will sequester over 600 pounds of carbon over a 40-year period.

Chicago's Robert Taylor Homes is the largest public housing development in the world. The Robert Taylor Homes consist of 28 sixteen-story apartment buildings. Most of the complex is an urban desert- concrete and asphalt cover the spaces between the buildings- but there are pockets of trees here and there. In 2001, Frances Kuo and Bill Sullivan of the University of Illinois Human-Environment Research Laboratory studied how well the residents of Robert Taylor were doing in their daily lives based on the amount of contact they had with these trees.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), members of the genus Fraxinus, is a non-native insect that is currently attacking ash trees throughout the country. First identified in southeastern Michigan in July 2002, emerald ash borer has already killed more than 10 million ash trees in Michigan's cities and forests. Emerald ash borer is a selective pest; it's larvae feeds only the cambium between the bark and wood of ash trees. This produces galleries (look like mazes on bark) that eventually girdle and kill branches and entire trees. Infested ash trees have also been found in Maryland and Virginia.

The spread of emerald ash borer is unlikely to be effectively contained. Many communities have discontinued the planting of new ash trees and are now making plans for how to manage future EAB losses. To assist with recovery, Ohio State University Forestry Extension has assembled a publication that identifies tree species that can be used to replace existing ash, when appropriate, or used in future plantings if ash species are not available or are inappropriate for planting.

The purpose of this guide, assembled by the USDA Forest Service, is to make officials of municipalities aware of an alternative strategy for using their street tree removals; a "recycling" strategy which can potentially turn a cost burden scenario into an income-generating opportunity. The strategy involves merchandising sawmill size logs from street tree removals to sawmills or other companies that have unique uses for street tree logs.

A unique structural soils system is being designed to retain 100% of runoff from a 25-year storm event.

The Initiative
Developing green infrastructure technologies that protect water quality by reducing contaminants in urban runoff is gaining interest among regulators, developers, and consultants. Research at the USDA Forest Service (Pacific Southwest Research Station's Center for Urban Forest Research) currently involves quantifying the benefits tree crowns have on runoff reduction. This project builds on existing knowledge by studying how the use of structural soils can enhance the role that trees play in onsite stormwater management.

This ten-part series is adapted from a "communications primer" created by Biodiversity Project staff- Peter Alexander, Executive Director of the Biodiversity Project- for groups working on Great Lakes issues.

While demand for urban park space has been increasing, information about the sorts of urban park space preferred by various user groups is uneven. Children and teenagers, for example, constitute a leading group of urban park users, yet are largely ignored in preference surveys. A team of researchers from University of Southern California is learning how inner city teens perceive and use green spaces.

Findings suggest that teens just want trees and grass, as close to home as possible.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation is working with the elected officials of the SACOG to double the region's tree canopy over the next 40 years! The goal is to maximize the benefits of our urban forest (air quality, water quality, energy, real estate and businesses).

Transportation systems have traditionally been designed for traffic mobility and driver safety. New research suggests that urban road projects could safely accommodate more trees than are currently allowed in transportation building codes. "In my opinion, the transportation policy in regard to trees is based on outdated information," said Kathleen Wolf, a social sciences researcher at the University of Washington's College of Forest Resources and lead author of the study.

New York (2006)- New York City faces a suite of environmental and human health challenges in the 21st century. The need to understand the nature of these challenges, and to evaluate potential mitigation and adaptation strategies, requires innovative scientific research and assessment, coupled with sound land-use planning, technological innovation, and urban policy. This research explores the development of 'green' or vegetated rooftops as an ecological infrastructure in New York City.

Sacramento, CA (October 23, 2006)- Dr. Qingfu Xiao, a hydrologist from UC Davis, is collaborating with scientists at Cornell University and Virginia Tech to study the impacts of different kinds of engineered soils on stormwater runoff. In the first stage of the project, Dr. Xiao compared UC Davis engineered soil with Cornell soil and Carolina Stalite soil in laboratory tests.

By Thomas Cahill

Sacramento, CA (October 23, 2006)- This study confirms previous finding that areas immediately downwind (east) of Watt Avenue, including Arden Middle School, are heavily impacted by Watt Avenue traffic. The mass of very fine and ultra fine particles that are strongly implicated in health impacts by both their size (Dp < 0.25 um diameter lung capture efficiency) and toxic composition (PAHs, other).

Washington, DC (October 19, 2006)- The National Trust's Main Street Program turned 25 last year with an impressive record of success in working with small towns and urban neighborhoods to revive commercial districts. Main street revival can be an important component of smart growth.

Institutionalizing urban forestry as a 'biotechnology' to improve environmental quality.
Dr. David Nowak, USDA Forest Service

Urbanization concentrates people, materials, and energy into relatively small geographical areas to facilitate the functioning of society. Urbanization often degrades local and regional environmental quality as natural landscapes are replaced with anthropogenic materials. Byproducts of urbanization (eg., heat combustion, and chemical emissions) affect the health of the local and regional landscapes, as well as the health of the people who reside, visit and/or work in and around urban areas.

Urban Forest Advocacy- Growing Possibilities
September 6-9, 2006
ACT NeighborWoods Academy
California ReLeaf Network Retreat
California Urban Forest Conference

Reminder to ACT Member Groups- Please complete the benchmarking survey.

By Robert Steuteville

Ithaca, NY (September 2006)- Proposals for planting rows of trees along the roads a traditional technique for shaping pleasing public spaces are often opposed by transportation engineers, who contend that a wide travel corridor, free of obstacles, is needed to protect the lives of errant motorists. Increasingly, however, the engineers beliefs about safety are being subjected to empirical study and are being found incorrect. Eric Dumbaugh, an assistant professor of transportation at Texas A&M, threw down the gauntlet with a long, carefully argued article, Safe Streets, Livable Streets, in the Summer 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Planning Association. A follow-up article by Dumbaugh, in the 2006 edition of Transportation Research Record, will present further evidence that safe urban roadsides are not what the traffic-engineering establishment thinks they are.

By Dan Burden

Orlando, FL (August 2006)- U.S Forest Service facts and figures and new traffic safety studies detail many urban street tree benefits. Once seen as highly problematic for many reasons, street trees are proving to be a great value to people living, working, shopping, sharing, walking and motoring in and through urban places.

The Conservation Fund has produced a new report called Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities. The report examines green infrastructure, a concept that connects environmental, social, and economic health. It advances smart conservation: large-scale thinking and integrated action to plan, protect and manage our natural and restored lands. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand innovative approaches to conservation-minded land use.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has produced The Community Design Assessment: A Citizens' Planning Guide, which provides a step-by-step process for evaluating the design and visual impact of buildings and corporate graphics in your community in order to guide decisions about future development.

The ICMA offers a tool for estimating impacts of land use change. If you know the soil type and dimensions of a proposed development project, you can use this online tool to estimate community impacts.

This report provides a retrospective look at the urban and community forestry movement since 1990, with a focus on the role of nonprofit organizations and community-based groups as key to regreening American cities.

(June 30, 2006)- Remember back in college when you lived in a dorm, and your parents gave you a plant to keep in your room, noting, "If the plant survives, so will you." It may have been a joke, but it is true that most of us feel better when there's a little green in our environment. Plants can even make the environment healthier.

Dudley Hartel (USDA Forest Service) and Dr. Jerry Bond (The Davey Institute).

Riverside, CA (June 22, 2006)- A plant disease commonly called Sudden Oak Death (SOD) continues to threaten coastal forests in California and Oregon. Though SOD is a forest disease, it is common in urban Wildland interface areas, so it presents many challenges for homeowners.

Davis, CA (June 20, 2006)- The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station’s Center for Urban Forest Research, is currently working on a project to quantify the benefits tree crowns have on runoff reduction. They also seek to build on that by studying how the use of structural soils can enhance the role that trees play in onsite storm water management. Developing green infrastructure technologies that protect water quality by reducing contaminants in urban runoff is gaining interest among regulators, developers, and consultants.

People who exercise vigorously often describe feeling high during a workout -- and a sense of calmness and freedom from stress afterward. Research reveals that these same emotional and physical changes can be produced with activity requiring much less exertion -- helping others.

Dr. David Nowak (USDA Forest Service, Syracuse, NY)

This four-hour PBS series showcases extraordinary stories of environmental rebirth in four very different American cities.

Washington, DC (May 15, 2006)- Anthony Flint, Director of Smart Growth Education in Massachusetts' Office of Commonwealth Development, spent 16 years as a reporter for the Boston Globe focusing on growth issues, a year as a visiting scholar at the Harvard School of Design, and is now head of smart growth education in the Massachusetts commonwealth government.

A newly produced short film about careers in arboriculture will soon be available from Tree Fund. The project is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and provides an engaging overview of career paths available to high school graduates, associates degree holders, and college graduates.

In 2006, the GUFC published a new edition of SHADE magazine featuring how "Trees Make Dollars and Sense" in Georgia's communities. This custom magazine features welcome letters from Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, Ken Stewart.

Dr. Gordon Heisler (USDA Forest Service, Syracuse, NY)

Washington, DC (April 26, 2006)- Green Infrastructure is a strategic approach to integrating natural areas into plans for growth that focus on maintaining ecosystem functions. This minimizes the need for "grey infrastructure" such as storm drains, as well as providing open space amenities. Ed McMahon, Senior Resident Fellow, Urban Land Institute and author of Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities, is the speaker for this event.

In an age of big-box retailers and soul-less shopping malls surrounded by acres of parking, the idea of a timeless Main Street lined with mature trees is positively nostalgic, right? Well, not quite. According to one researcher, shoppers like to stroll among the urban trees as they browse for purchases. And they're willing to spend more to do so.

The Pacific Madrone - a beautiful and distinctive tree of the northwest found from California to British Columbia. It likes sandy soil, and grows near cliffs and along the seashore. But it's highly sensitive to human activities - road building, development, even kids climbing on it. The Pacific Madrone can't thrive in an intense urban setting. It's a tree best left alone and perhaps that's incompatible in a city. What happens to a tree that doesn't like human company?

Since the 1970s, Atlanta, Georgia has grown from a city of about a million people - to a city of four million. The increase has also led to an increase of pollutants, mainly from automobiles. And even though Atlanta recently met the federal standards that specify how high pollutant levels can be at any one-hour period, the city -- admittedly - has a long way to go. We take a look at life in Atlanta as it grows in popularity, but also in pollutants.

In urban areas across the country, we've replaced trees and grass with pavement and concrete. Storm water runoff from these paved surfaces in cities can be saturated with harmful substances such as gasoline, oil and trash. We head to the inner city of Baltimore, Maryland where partners have joined forces to clean up the runoff flowing into the harbor and into the Chesapeake Bay.

We visit an inner city high school where students are learning how software tools can be used for urban planning, right on their school grounds. They are using Geographic Information Systems software in their efforts to increase tree canopy in the nation's capital.

In nature, salmon and forests go together. Trees provide shade for salmon bearing streams and dying salmon provide fertilizer for the forest. But when wild forests become subdivisions, both trees and fish suffer. One northwest city is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore a forest and a salmon stream.

As the population in cities across the country continues to grow, increased housing and development seems inevitable. Atlanta wants to make sure that such development doesn't mean the total loss of trees in the city.

As cities across the country increase the amount of paved surfaces, they are also increasing the core temperature of the city itself. We take a look at one Southern city, Atlanta, Georgia, and what it's trying to do to cool off.

In Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, partners are trying to address the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the country's largest estuary. There's a lot of pollution in the Bay and solutions along the shores of the Bay are obvious. What's not so obvious are solutions 105 miles inland, but that's where there's a real success story.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S., spanning from New York to Delaware. But the health of the Bay is on the down swing, facing high levels of pollution that threaten the life of many species we've come to enjoy. At the same time that pollution is rising, urban development along the Bay is increasing, and the number of trees is decreasing. Can replacing some of those trees help to save the Bay?

Dr. Gordon Heisler, Meteorologist, USDA Forest Service, Syracuse, NY discussed ultraviolet irradiance (UV) in urban ecosystems with respect to the likely effects on human health. He examined whether the health effects of UV radiation should be included in planning of landscape elements such as trees and shading structures.

Pollution, crime, development and diversity - all issues found in an urban environment. Urban forests are beginning to be part of a solution to clean air, clean water, development issues, neighborhood crime, and community building.

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Soundprint has released a three-hour documentary series, Tales from Urban Forests, which explores the critical role trees play in the vitality of cities and their residents. These documentaries are highly relevant to local issues in every community- from environmental and economic, to health and quality of life issues. Each hour features two documentary stories on the urban forest. The series is free of charge to all public radio stations.

According to a recent study by researchers at Florida State University, the federal policy that allows developers to compensate for damaging or destroying wetlands by buying wetlands elsewhere has environmental consequences that can be especially harmful to urban areas.

The federal government recently unveiled a new web site that directly links you to all information pertaining to nonprofits. Go here for information ranging from grants to rules about business operations. The site leads to grants, laws and regulations, registration and licensing, tax information, online services and many other resources.

Nearly 20% of the US workforce will be age 55 or older by 2015 - a big opportunity for nonprofits seeking volunteers. At ACT's Community Tree Leadership Forum in February, we learned that baby boomers will bring their own generational attitudes to retirement, presenting a distinct target group of volunteers with particular needs and expectations.

A while back, some members sought information to help with Wal-Mart negotiations in their communities. Here are some recent resources on the topic.

Metropolitan Statistical Areas now account for 82.6% of the nation's population, 25.3% of the national land area, and 1,089 counties in the US.

Volunteers are worth $280 billion, according to Independent Sector's 2005 annual report on the value of volunteer contributions to America.

In the United States, asthma prevalence increased overall by 75 percent between 1980 and 1994 and 74 percent among children ages 5 to 14, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which estimates that more than 7 percent of U.S. children live with the disease.

(April 1, 2006)- The fact that "money doesn't grow on trees" does not mean downtowns should not invest in their trees. Actually, research indicates that what's good for the air and aesthetic environment of downtown is also good for the perception of downtown by its users. And positive outlooks tend to be accompanied by positive cash flows. The fact is that people prefer having trees in streetscapes.

Dr. David Bloniarz (USDA Forest Service, Amherst, MA)

Atlanta (March 14, 2006)- The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, created by Home Depot founder Arthur Blank, recently announced that it would fund a study to examine the activities and perspectives of the users of eighty-seven of Atlanta's parks. Their support could steer additional funding and visibility toward Atlanta's high-profile Beltline project, the proposed corridor of transit, parks, and trails that would connect 46 neighborhoods. The assessment is the first-ever of the city of Atlanta's parks.

Washington, DC (January 12, 2006)- In the Washington, DC region and across the country, housing is becoming less affordable. More families are spending a greater proportion of their income on housing than ever before as home prices and rents have risen during recent years. Smart growth principles advocate a greater mix of housing types and prices, and promote compact development that reduces everyone's cost of infrastructure. More and more localities are experimenting with specific strategies that focus on affordable housing while also supporting multiple smart growth goals.

By Wallace E. Oates

Washington, DC (January 1, 2006)- Economics has three basic and important messages for environmental protection: an unfettered market system will generate excessive pollution, we can quantify how clean should the environment be, and policy can be structured to realize efficient and cost-effective environmental goals.

Reston, VA (2006)- 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 also raises questions about possible adverse effects on the environment, including water quality. Among the major findings are that pesticides are frequently present in streams and ground water, are seldom at concentrations likely to affect humans, but occur in many streams at concentrations that may have effects on aquatic life or fish-eating wildlife.

By Lydian Altman-Sauer, Margaret Henderson, and Gordon Whitaker

Chapel Hill, NC (Winter 2005)- Local governments accomplish many public purposes by working through nonprofit organizations such as planting trees, revitalizing neighborhoods, and supporting economic development. It is often more efficient for governments to support nonprofits to deliver such services that are expected by the public than to set up departments and hire personnel themselves.

Washington, DC (December 1, 2005)- Over the past ten years, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed and implemented LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating systems for the construction of new buildings, major reconstruction, building operations, commercial interiors, and other aspects of buildings. Over the past two years USGBC has partnered with the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to establish a rating system for entire neighborhoods.

New York, NY (November 29, 2005)- New York University released a study of the effect of community gardens on nearby property values. The study of 636 NYC community gardens shows a statistically significant and increasing over time, positive effect on sales prices of residential properties within a 1,000 foot radius of a community garden when compared to properties outside the 1000 foot ring but still with in the same neighborhood. The net tax benefit over a 20 year period to the city is estimated at 647 million dollars or $1 million per garden.

Washington, DC (October 27, 2005)- Christopher Leinberger, Partner, Albuquerque's Historic District Improvement Company and Visiting Fellow, Brookings Institution, is currently focusing on research and practice that helps to transform traditional and suburban downtowns and other places that provide walkable urbanity. His research includes the national rankings of downtowns based upon market and financial viability, social equity, and other methods.

Washington, DC (July 14, 2005)- Who are some of Congress's current leaders on livable communities, and what may be effective strategies and leverage for creating a stronger federal partnership? Maria Zimmerman will share her observations about changing views and opportunities for advancing smart growth policies in Congress. Zimmerman will also highlight the growing demand for transit-oriented communities and new provisions within the current federal transportation reauthorization bill.

(June 5, 2005)- Many recent studies document the environmental service value that trees provide, but the value of urban forestry can also be measured in impact as an economic sector. A new national study accounts for the impact of green industry to the US economy, and reveals that tree production and tree care amounts to $21 billion in annual output.

By Eric Dumbaugh

Washington, DC (Summer 2005)- 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. This study examines the subject of livable streetscape treatments and finds compelling evidence that suggests they may actually enhance the safety of urban roadways. Concerns about their safety effects do not appear to be founded on empirical observations of crash performance, but instead on a design philosophy that discounts the important relationship between driver behavior and safety. This study traces the origin and evolution of this philosophy, and proposes an alternative that may better account for the dynamic relationships between road design, driver behavior, and transportation safety.

Sacramento, CA (February 17, 2005)- The Air Resources Board's (ARB) primary goal in developing this document is to provide information that will help keep California's children and other vulnerable populations out of harm's way with respect to nearby sources of air pollution. Recent air pollution studies have shown an association between respiratory and other health effects and proximity to high traffic roadways. Also, ARB community health risk assessments and regulatory programs have produced important air quality information about certain types of facilities that should be considered when siting new residences, schools, day care centers, playgrounds, and medical facilities (i.e., sensitive land uses). Sensitive land uses deserve special attention because children, the elderly, and those with existing health problems are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Ellicott City, MD (February 2005)- The Center for Watershed Protection has released a three-part Urban Watershed Forestry Manual that introduces the emerging topic of urban watershed forestry and presents new methods for systematically measuring watershed forest cover and techniques for maintaining or increasing this cover. These methods are based on extensive review of the latest research and input from experts in a wide range of related fields. This manual is part of a three-part manual series on using trees to protect and restore urban watersheds.

Corvallis, OR (2005)- According to some reports, there are 3.8 billion urban trees in the United States, a number that elevates to 74.4 billion if entire metropolitan regions are taken into consideration. Since 80% of all Americans live in metropolitan areas, urban trees have a significant impact on the majority of American citizens.

By Ann Van Herzele, Kevin Collins, and Veerle Heyens

Brussels (2005)- Greenspace, from that small open area at the end of the street to the large scale-woodland on the urban fringe, is one of those issues in which so many players have a shared interest. Where public parks and other accessible open spaces in people's living environment really 'work', they are invariably at the centre of people's lives, where they meet, walk, play, and enjoy nature.

By Laura Saldivar-Tanaka and Marianne E. Krasny

Ithaca, NY (January 1, 2005)- To determine the role Latino community gardens play in community development, open space, and civic agriculture, a Cornell University study conducted interviews with 32 community gardeners from 20 gardens, and with staff from 11 community gardening support nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The results of this study document the multiple roles that community gardens play in Latino communities in NYC, and provide strong evidence for their inclusion in planned development.

Washington, DC (October 14, 2004)- Tim Beatley's work focuses on creating more sustainable urban environments. His research into European and American experience highlights creative strategies by which cities and towns can fundamentally reduce their ecological footprints, while at the same time becoming more livable and equitable places. His contributions help to illuminate the critical role that creating quality human habitat plays in enhancing quality natural habitats. Tim's books include Native to Nowhere, The Ecology of Place, Ethical Land Use, and Green Urbanism.

By Margaret Henderson

Chapel Hill, NC (Fall 2004)- The leadership at nonprofits can be categorized two ways: leader-dominated and community-based. The author argues that only the latter is effective and efficient, because no single person or funding source drives an organization or controls information flow through it. While both methods can be seen at various non-profits, a leader-dominated organization is far from the most effective and efficient way to run an organization. Part 1 of this article provides a guide for the staff and board members of nonprofit organizations to assess whether they are shifting or want to shift from being a leader-dominated organization to being a community-based organization. Part 2 suggests a process that nonprofits might use to evaluate whether they have the interest and the capacity to shift from being a leader-dominated organization to being a community-based organization.

Seattle, WA (September 1, 2004)- In a study funded by the USDA Forest Service, the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington surveyed residents of downtown business districts and concluded that people prefer trees in urban shopping areas. The urban forest is an important amenity that provides curb appeal, and attracts visitors and shoppers to downtown business districts. In fact, consumers are even willing to spend more in tree-lined shopping areas.

Washington, DC (August 16, 2004)- More compact development patterns, and investments that strengthen urban center, should save taxpayers' money and improve the economic performance of metropolitan regions. Mr. Puentes and colleague Mark Muro recently published a report summarizing current evidence of the fiscal savings created by smart growth. The study finds that fiscal savings combine with increased economic performance to improve the fortunes of regions pursuing smart growth. In times of tight budgets, smart growth makes ever more sense for regions seeking competitive advantage.

Washington, DC (June 29, 2004)- Business leaders are supporting smart growth policies and projects, with significant results for their communities, customers, employees and profitability. NALGEP and SGLI recently examined businesses that have reaped rewards from investing resources in smart growth. This event launched the new report, and profiled the initiative taken by business leaders who recognize that smart growth provides quality of life, market opportunities, and stable investments, among other benefits.

Washington, DC (June 1, 2004)- In 2004, the Trust for Public Land and the Nature Conservancy commissioned a poll conducted by two public opinion research firms, one Democrat, one Republican. Together, they interviewed 1,500 registered likely voters, of which 500 were in the West and 200 were Latino households. These "lessons learned" regarding the language of conservation are drawn from both qualitative and quantitative research. There are two main correlations.

Washington, DC (May 17, 2004)- Harrison Rue currently runs the transportation and regional planning organization for Charlottesville, and previously founded the Citizen Planner Institute. His work has successfully integrated grassroots planning and the regional transportation process, incorporating lessons from smart growth, new urbanism, and healthy communities to meet the goals of diverse partners. Through such techniques, Charlottesville offers lessons to other communities working to meet economic and environmental goals through smart growth.

By: E.G. McPherson, J.R. Simpson

Davis, CA (May 2004)- Tree canopy cover data from aerial photographs and building energy simulations were applied to estimate energy savings from existing trees and new plantings in California. Peak load reduction by existing trees saves utilities 10% valued at approximately $778.5 million annually, or $ 4.39/tree. Planting 50 million trees to shade east and west walls of residential buildings is projected to reduce cooling by 1.1% and peak load demand by 4.5% over a 15-year period.

Washington, DC (April 9, 2004)- A new study appearing in the Journal of the American Planning Association (JAPA) Spring 2004 issue finds that growth management strategies used in Portland, Oregon, to control urban sprawl are working.

Washington, DC (January 14, 2004)- Since 2000, the Transportation & Land Use Collaborative of Southern California (TLUC) has worked to ensure balance between growth, economic development and environmental stewardship in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Under the leadership of Executive Director Katherine Perez, TLUC has begun to influence policy in the region, and they recently organized a groundbreaking forum on "Latino New Urbanism: Synergy Against Sprawl." Ms. Perez offers lessons from TLUC and her prior work on how to build broad support for better development patterns and community design in a rapidly growing, changing metropolis.

Oxford, MS (January 1, 2004)- Although trees and people enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship, human activity that changes the environment can often be devastating to trees. Many of these activities are construction related, such as building fountains, sidewalks, sewer lines, and roads. However, most trees can survive construction if they are separated from the construction activity. Therefore, all phases of construction must include the protection of trees.

By Robert J. Laverne and Kimberly Winson-Geideman

(September 2003)- The environmental and economic benefits of trees have been studied relative to a variety of interests including their influence on real estate value. This study investigates the effect of trees and landscaping on office rental rates, based on a comparison of 85 office buildings that comprise 270 individual and unique leases in the Cleveland metropolitan area.

Washington, DC (August 27, 2003)- This presentation will focus on the economic, social, and environmental benefits of preserving community character. Ed McMahon, Vice President and Director of Land Use Programs at The Conservation Fund, highlights the keys to successful communities. The presentation addresses the role that historic preservation, urban design, landscape preservation, open space planning and other issues play in fostering economic vitality and community revitalization.

Washington, DC (June 25, 2003)- 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, there is also evidence that the way we grow- development patterns- can exacerbate 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.

Washington, DC (April 28, 2003)- Presented by Rick James: Research in the 1970s demonstrated a connection between land use patterns and crime. Since that time, a deeper understanding of the interplay of community, land use, and crime has emerged. This presentation discusses successful efforts to reduce crime through planning better neighborhoods.

By Norman H. Pillsbury and Samantha J. Gill

San Luis Obispo, CA (March 1, 2003)- This study was conducted to help communities manage their urban forests specifically in relation to the potential use of woody biomass rather than the more traditional and costly practice of disposal. The result is the Community and Urban Forest Inventory and Management program (CUFIM), an Excel-based computer program that gives urban foresters control over their tree inventory. It also allows options for determining volume of anticipated tree removals and estimates of their dollar value. The idea is that communities can market their biomass for wood products and show an income from the woody resource rather than only a cost for maintenance and disposal.

Washington, DC (February 13, 2003)- Community development and smart growth advocates have mutual interests. Both seek to increase investments in existing neighborhoods, reverse urban flight, and advance revitalization of core city, inner ring, and rural communities. This presentation answers questions critical to long term metropolitan sustainability.

By Nina Bassuk and Michelle Buckstrup

Ithaca, NY (2003)- Whether from a nursery field to the city tree lawn or just from one place in your yard to another, it's the roots that suffer when trees are transplanted. Consider this: Shade tree roots are found primarily in the top 12 inches of soil. Tiny absorbing roots, responsible for most of the tree's intake of water and nutrients, are in the top several inches of soil. Not only do roots grow horizontally beyond the dripline, but there is often a higher percentage of them beyond the dripline than within it. An unbelievable 90% of tree roots are routinely left behind in the nursery at the time of harvest. The fine absorbing roots that are harvested are easily broken off, damaged and desiccated. Water stress, resulting in part from the tremendous reduction in root mass, is the main reason transplanted trees fail. Bare root method planting could be the answer to this problem.

Washington, DC (January 1, 2003)- 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.

By Kathleen L. Wolf
College of Forest Resources, University of Washington

Seattle (2003)- The majority of U.S. citizens now live in urban areas. City residents have come to expect clean air, effective waste removal, and reliable energy supplies, transportation, and communication. The infrastructure that provides these goods and services is a diverse assemblage of roads, sewers, pipes, power plants and wires. Recently, trees and greenspace have come to be regarded as green infrastructure, a living system in contrast to the engineered structures of gray infrastructure.

Washington, DC (August 6, 2002)- Through careful planning and the formation of partnerships, the real estate needs of many companies may be met in existing communities and settings that are more consistent with smart growth principles. Smart growth can help balance the needs of corporations and their employees, the communities that host them, and the environment.

By Margaret Henderson, Lydian Altman-Sauer, and Gordon Whitaker

Chapel Hill, NC (Summer 2002)- The reasons that government officials choose to fund nonprofits can vary. Matching the reason to a nonprofit cause can be the difference between funding a program one year and operating it sustainability as part of your organization's mission.

Washington, DC (May 1, 2002)- Jamie Ross, the Affordable Housing Director for 1000 Friends of Florida, discusses the value in connecting environmentalists and affordable housing advocates together under the smart growth umbrella. For over a decade, the efforts of 1000 Friends of Florida and its unlikely coalition of allies have contributed to the state leading the nation with its statewide dedicated revenue for affordable housing.

Washington, DC (April 2, 2002)- Are the concepts of land-use planning and individual property rights at odds in America? The "takings" of "property rights" has become a prominent issue facing the implementation of many smart growth strategies. John D. Echeverria, Executive Director of the Georgetown Environmental Law and Policy Institute, discusses how sound community planning and regulation can play an important role in providing a stable environment which encourages profitable real estate investment and development.

Storrs, CT (2002)- Paved parking lots are typically designed to collect and concentrate large areas of stormwater runoff, which can impact a receiving stream's hydrography as well as water quality. 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.

By T. Takano, K. Nakamura, and M. Watanabe

Tokyo, Japan (2002)- The study set out to determine if there was an association between greenery filled public areas that are nearby a residence and easy to walk in and the longevity of senior citizens in a densely populated, developed megacity. They found that living in areas with walkable green spaces positively influenced the longevity of urban senior citizens independent of their age, sex, marital status, baseline functional status, and socioeconomic status.

St. Louis, MO (January 1, 2002)- Gateway Greening in St. Louis, through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Blanton Whitmire, studied the economic development successes of community gardening in St. Louis. Some of the positive effects included crime reduction both to property and people, increased property values and improvement of property, improvements in the overall appearance of the neighborhood, and increased feelings of safety.

Washington, DC (October 2, 2001)- Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, former U.S. Congressman, author, and senior pastor of Allen AME Church, discusses the roles of churches (and other faith-based institutions) in community development. During his 21-year pastorate, Allen has become a model for faith-based development across the country. His presentation shares how faith-based development corporations can fill in the gaps that are left unattended by business and government to spur economic development within neighborhoods and improve community character. He shares how the commercial and residential development projects of Allen AME's development corporation have transformed South East Queens, NY, and helped to achieve smarter growth.

By Frayda S. Bluestein and Anita R. Brown-Graham

Chapel Hill, NC (Fall 2001)- Nonprofit organizations have cooperated with the public sector since colonial times to provide food, medical care, and social services to those in need. The resulting partnerships have been powerful, combining the flexibility and service-delivery capabilities of the nonprofit sector with the financial and direction-setting capabilities of the public sector. Such partnerships have resulted in improved local services in many areas, including human services, community development, economic development, and environmental protection.

Washington, DC (August 8, 2001)- Michael Lewyn, columnist, author and Associate Professor at John Marshall Law School argues that conservatives should fight sprawl as a threat to conservative values such as limited government, freedom, lower taxes, and social stability. His talk describes how sprawl is the direct result of big government, education policies, and housing regulations that still favor suburban construction on previously undeveloped land. He also discusses what conservatives can do about sprawl and how smarter growth can encourage conservative solutions, increase individual choice, free market activity, and economic development.

By Gita Gulati-Partee

Chapel Hill, NC (Summer 2001)- Although municipalities and nonprofits often work to address common concerns, sometimes there is a disconnect. This article serves as an introduction into the nonprofit world for municipalities, and answers basic questions from 'what is a nonprofit' to strategic questions such as 'how to work with nonprofits to stretch tax dollars further.'

Washington, DC (May 14, 2001)- David Goldberg, who serves on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial board, examines the many angles the media has taken on sprawl in a key battleground on development issues: Atlanta. Mr. Goldberg discusses "message strategies" used by groups on various sides of the growth debate in Atlanta as well as strategies for journalists covering issues related to suburban sprawl.

Washington, DC (February 15, 2001)- Betty Weiss, Executive Director of the National Neighborhood Coalition, discusses the findings of the recent NNC report that details how community-based organizations are successfully linking neighborhood redevelopment to smart growth. Mtamanika Youngblood, Executive Director of Atlanta's Historic District Development Corporation, then describes the experiences of her organization which combines historic preservation, affordable housing, and anti-displacement protections to help revitalize inner-city neighborhoods.

Washington, DC (January 30, 2001)- Among the challenges to creating better communities is building community support for smart growth projects. For this reason, it is important for citizens, builders, and planning professionals to use tools to gain a greater understanding of the way planning decisions will look and affect us over time. Bill Becker, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Denver Regional Office demonstrates and discusses some of the planning tools of the next century.

By Hashem Akbari
Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA (2001)- Urban areas tend to have higher air temperatures than their rural surroundings as a result of gradual surface modifications that include replacing the natural vegetation with buildings and roads. The term "Urban Heat Island" describes this phenomenon. The surfaces of buildings and pavements absorb solar radiation and become extremely hot, which in turn warm the surrounding air. Cities that have been "paved over" do not receive the benefit of the natural cooling effect of vegetation.

By Michelle J. Buckstrup and Nina L. Bassuk

Ithaca, NY (November 1, 2000)- Bare-root transplanting historically has been considered by many in the landscape industry, including arborists, to be higher risk that B&B transplanting. Post-planting stress caused by desiccation of roots during post-harvest handling is thought to be the major cause of poor establishment for bare-root trees. Few studies have been done to compare the impact of B&B and bare-root production methods on transplanting success in the urban environment.

By Jeff Luval et al

Huntsville, AL (October 1, 2000)- The urban landscape represents a complex heterogeneous surface that strongly influences the development of the urban heat island. In fact, doubling the canopy in Sacramento could cut "bad air" days in half. In order to assess the effectiveness of the heat island mitigation strategies, this study could be incorporated into both meteorological and air quality models. This study demonstrates the importance of vegetation in keeping cities cool, and proves that each city is unique in its albedo and surface temperature characteristics.

By Gary W. Watson

Champaign, IL (June 2000)- Both experience and research make it clear that almost any size tree of any species can be transplanted. Success depends on the reestablishment of a normal spreading root system. An understanding of how roots grow and take up water can aid the process, even on difficult sites.

By Kurt J. Jenne and Margaret Henderson

Chapel Hill, NC (Summer 2000)- Hiring an executive director is one of the most important actions that the governing board of a nonprofit agency takes. The board depends on its director for day-to-day operation to achieve the agency's purposes and objectives within the constraints of its budget- not an easy task to accomplish year in and year out. Also, the working relationship between the director and the board, the staff, volunteers, clients, funding organizations, and other service agencies can significantly influence the agency's effectiveness and reputation in the community.

Washington, DC (Summer 2000)- Tree cover in urban areas can provide cities with reduced costs for stormwater management and improvement in water quality. American Forests has developed a computer software package to measure the effects of urban tree cover and impervious surfaces on stromwater that will help city managers meet every tightening water quality regulations. Scientific research and time-tested engineering practices provide the basis for the software calculations.

By Jessie L. Scott and David R. Betters

(March 2000)- Urban forest managers often are required to make decisions about whether to retain or replace an existing tree. In part, this decision relies on an economic analysis of the benefits and costs of the alternatives. This paper presents an economic methodology that helps address the tree replacement problem.

Washington, DC (January 1, 2000)- Local governments across the nation are seeking new ways to clean the air and preserve local quality of life as they face tough air pollution challenges. Despite the progress acheived through controlling large smokestack and car emissions under the Clean Air Act, local environmental officials believe that a key component of the clean air equation is still missing: incentives that empower communities to make innovative clean air practices a standard way of doing business. Local officials are uniquely situated to lead these clean air strategies because they understand local conditions and practices.

By Jan Schukoske

Baltimore, MD (January 1, 2000)- 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. A recent study reports that 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 community gardens.

By Mark C. Dwyer and Robert W. Miller

Stevens Point, WI (March 1999)- CITYgreen, a geographic information system (GIS)-based program, was used to evaluate selected benefits provided by the tree canopy in the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The distribution of open space in and around the greater Stevens Point area, energy savings from lowered air-conditioning costs, and the reductions in stormwater runoff as a partial function of existing tree canopy were assessed. Estimated annual energy savings for residential areas in Stevens Point and surrounding communities was $126,859.

By E. Gregory McPherson and James R. Simpson

Davis, CA (January 1, 1999)- The Pacific Southwest Research Station's Western Center for Urban Forest Research and Education has developed a tool for utilities, urban foresters and arborists, municipalities, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and others to use to determine the effects of urban forests on atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction. A general look at these guidelines provides an overview the benefits of urban tree planting and the most effective ways to plant in order to reach these benefits. This guide provides specific information on how to design a tree-planting event, the ideal locations for planting trees, as well as selecting the ideal tree types for CO2 reduction.

Washington, DC (January 1, 1999)- In 1999, The National Association of Local Government Professionals (NALGEP) launched the Smart Growth Business Partnership Project to identify businesses that are actively promoting alternatives to sprawl and to better understand the factors that motivate these businesses to takes action.

Washington, DC (August 1998)- The Center for Watershed Protection's Better Site Design Handbook offers a comprehensive suite of guidance documents on Better Site Design. The Handbook outlines 22 guidelines for more environment-friendly development: changes to subdivision and land development and zoning regulations that will better manage stormwater, preserve and enhance existing natural areas, and reduce pollution in local streams.

By Norman H. Pillsbury, Jeffrey L. Reimer, and Richard P. Thompson

San Luis Obispo, CA (June 1, 1998)- As communities strive for sustainability in their urban forestry programs, increased attention must be paid to the wood resource of the urban forest. This research was conducted to create a series of volume studies, such as diameter, height, and age of urban forest species to further develop management inventories in cities for the purpose of promoting sustainable urban forests.

Athens, GA (October 1997)- Urban lawns can produce surprising quantities of nitrates, phosphates, and organic chemicals. In the U.S., lawns cover a greater land area than any one agricultural crop, and many are maintained so intensely that excess herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers leach out and overbalance stream ecosystems. 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. The streams erode with great volumes and rates of runoff. In fact, stream habitats, wetlands, and water supplies are lost to flooding, pollution, erosion, and summer drought.

Sacramento, CA (August 1995)- The Shade Tree Program was initiated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) in 1991 with the objective of reducing summer air conditioning loads by planting trees to shade residential buildings. A secondary objective of the program was to create an urban forest that would help mitigate heat island effect, or the increase in summer outdoor temperatures caused by urban development.

By Richard Thompson, Norman Pillsbury, Richard Hanna

San Luis Obispo, CA (July 1, 1994)- The goal of urban forestry is to design and efficiently manage public and private lands in and adjacent to urban-forested landscapes to be ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable. Sustainability, in this context, should imply programs that yield desired environmental and economic benefits without inefficient, wasteful design and practices. Clearly, sustainability is fundamental to urban forest programs. Unfortunately, sustainable urban forest ecosystems are not commonplace because the necessary programs require careful, long-term design and planning. This report provides basic suggestions of how to manage and design sustainable urban forest ecosystems.

By E. Gregory McPherson and Rowan A. Rowntree

(November 1993)- Findings from monitoring and computer simulation studies indicate that trees can be a cost-effective energy conservation measure for some electric utilities. Simulations suggest that a single 25-ft tall tree can reduce annual heating and cooling costs of a typical residence by 8 to 12 percent ($10-25). Assuming annual savings of $10 per household, a nationwide residential tree planting program could eventually save about $1 billion each year.

Philadelphia, PA (September 1, 1992)- The American Community Gardening Association (ACGA), in its effort to improve the knowledge and practice of community gardening, has formed a Research Committee, which is open to all members.

(1991)- Energy efficiency in homes, the workplace, and transportation provides one of the most immediate and valuable solutions to the environmental problems that endanger our world. This resource addresses the direct correlation between conserving energy and mitigating environmental hazards such as global warming, air pollution, acid rain, and ozone depletion.