Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Disproportionate and inequitable tree canopy cover and access to urban green space is a common issue in many cities of the United States, including Rochester, New York. Due to racially discriminatory practices in Rochester’s past, such as redlining and resource distribution (e.g. tree replacement), many communities in the city experience an urban heat island effect, where surface temperatures in urban neighborhoods reach dangerous temperatures in the absence of vegetational interference. Communities which are the most impacted include those of high poverty levels and races other than white, such as the neighborhood near Clifford and Joseph Avenues in the notorious “Crescent of Poverty” of Rochester. This region of interest was identified due to: being historically redlined, being a crime hotspot, having many vacant lots, being exposed to high surface temperature, lacking in canopy cover, having high poverty rates and racial minority populations, and being within close proximity to a homeless shelter. This research project will propose solutions including increasing tree canopy cover and green spaces in place of concrete, asphalt, or abandoned lots in historically disadvantaged communities. This action would decrease surface temperature fluctuation, provide natural health benefits to residents, and foster a sense of community through a common initiative and shared space. Since beginning of this research project in Spring 2023, the city of Rochester actually began allocating resources to decrease tree canopy inequity in the city via the Tree Master Plan of 2024.
Recommended Citation
Andersen, Kayla, "112-Shade Speaks Louder Than Words - An Analysis of and Solution to Tree Canopy Inequity in Rochester, NY" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 25.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/25
112-Shade Speaks Louder Than Words - An Analysis of and Solution to Tree Canopy Inequity in Rochester, NY
Disproportionate and inequitable tree canopy cover and access to urban green space is a common issue in many cities of the United States, including Rochester, New York. Due to racially discriminatory practices in Rochester’s past, such as redlining and resource distribution (e.g. tree replacement), many communities in the city experience an urban heat island effect, where surface temperatures in urban neighborhoods reach dangerous temperatures in the absence of vegetational interference. Communities which are the most impacted include those of high poverty levels and races other than white, such as the neighborhood near Clifford and Joseph Avenues in the notorious “Crescent of Poverty” of Rochester. This region of interest was identified due to: being historically redlined, being a crime hotspot, having many vacant lots, being exposed to high surface temperature, lacking in canopy cover, having high poverty rates and racial minority populations, and being within close proximity to a homeless shelter. This research project will propose solutions including increasing tree canopy cover and green spaces in place of concrete, asphalt, or abandoned lots in historically disadvantaged communities. This action would decrease surface temperature fluctuation, provide natural health benefits to residents, and foster a sense of community through a common initiative and shared space. Since beginning of this research project in Spring 2023, the city of Rochester actually began allocating resources to decrease tree canopy inequity in the city via the Tree Master Plan of 2024.