The Morton Arboretum’s Post

If you are not a member of TOGETHER Bay Area and you care about #SFBayArea #OpenSpace and how we are responding to climate change as a region I highly recommend joining with like minded folks. Interesting discussions about #slowingdowntospeedup. And advice to #moveatthespeedoftrust

Forestry for Minnesota Birds (FMNB) is an initiative designed to help forest landowners and natural resource managers implement forest management to enhance habitat for forest bird species across the state. This 1-hour webinar provides a sneak peek into the forest management guidelines book being developed, the forest types and bird species included, and why it matters: https://lnkd.in/eHQf3FiV

Yet again, legislation impacting our (local) climate is passed by lawmakers without any input from environmental professionals or scientific basis. The Chicago City Council has decided to cut down any "dangerous" parkway trees, defined by "when any part of the tree encroaches upon or grows on or over a portion of a residential structure or detached garage or is impacting any utilities, roads, alleys, or sidewalks." Cutting down mature trees that have been growing for longer than I've been alive can have detrimental effects on urban climate- most concerning is the mature tree canopy's role in mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The presence of mature trees can lower nearby air temperatures by as much as around 4 degrees Fahrenheit, which could mean the difference between life and death for vulnerable groups in more frequent and severe heat waves due to anthropogenically-caused climate change. City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker just yesterday announced the formation of the Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance, with the intention of addressing climate challenges through technology and innovation. City of Chicago, Chicago City Council, if we, as a city, are truly serious about becoming a global leader in climate innovation, why would we be cutting down mature trees without scientific consultation when urban centers around the world are learning the importance of urban greening implementation practices? Chicagoans, contact your Alderperson to voice your opposition to new ordinance O2023-0004235.

This morning, the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (HR 8467). American Forests looks forward to continued discussions between the chambers and ultimately a bipartisan bill. The Farm Bill, renewed every five years, provides a crucial opportunity to support public, private and Tribal forests. American Forests is hopeful that Congress can come together to address key areas such as reforestation needs, urban and community forestry programs, forest landowner empowerment and all-lands wildfire resilience through this year’s #FarmBill. https://lnkd.in/eXWDhMKV

American Forests' 2023 Annual Report is here! Discover our key initiatives in reforestation, urban forestry, and climate advocacy. See the impact we've made and our future plans. ����🌿 Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3wUCv4U

This month our Forestry for Minnesota Birds steering committee members weighed in with their recommendations for forest habitat types to include. There are many factors they may consider when doing so: 1) representation of Minnesota forests, 2) silvicultural considerations, 3) forest types from a bird's perspective, 4) the USFS's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) and Minnesota DNR's Ecological Classification System (ECS), and 5) ease of use of the final Guidebook. It's a larger undertaking than you may think!

"At Bigfoot Forestry, we specialize in clearing wooded areas to transform your land into a safe, enjoyable space for the whole family. 🌳✨ Whether it's removing overgrowth, creating trails, or ensuring your backyard is free from hazards,we are dedicated to making your outdoor space usable and beautiful. Because with us, there's #nowheretohide from a perfect outdoor experience! #LandClearing #OutdoorLiving #BigfootForestry"

Tune in - and include job seekers and trainees - to learn about different #TreeEquity career pathways!

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Massachusetts is doling out more than $22 million to expand access to trees and green space. The funds are coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Sunlight shines through tree leaves. The project plans to grow Fall River’s tree canopy. Fall River is one of the communities benefitting from the program. The goal is to plant more trees in an effort to mitigate extreme heat and climate change, as well as expand access to nature. 📖 https://bit.ly/46B3VJe 🌐 WPRI-TV #environmentallaw #environmentallawyer #desautelbrowninglaw #newengland

The Biden Administration's budget shows The White House's commitment to climate-centered funding. Emphasizing the value of urban and community forestry, as well as the conservation of our forested landscapes, these policies not only protect the environment but also lead to job creation, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. American Forests urges Congress to incorporate these proposals into the appropriations process to support the thriving of our forests. See our full statement https://bit.ly/3Ph5Rk1