Old Growth by Gus Rasich

O L D G R O W T H

What do we lose when parks are closed and healthy trees are cut?

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Healthy, mature trees provide an important service to both animals and humans. With escalating climate extremes, especially in the heat of Richmond summers, the shade and shelter a mature tree can provide is vital. The birds and insects that use urban trees as their homes are important to biodiversity and ecosystem health. These are traits unique to existing, mature trees- and cannot be immediately, sufficiently replaced by planting new young trees

“Building Greener Cities: Nine Benefits of Urban Trees.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 30 Nov. 2016, www.fao.org/zhc/detail-events/en/c/454543/.

Runoff mixed with pollutants and excess sediment, has harmful effects on our waterways.

Fertilizers from lawns, industrial pollutants, and even silt washed into waterways due to weather conditions can damage aquatic environments. This doesn’t just hurt the animals and plants occupying these habitats, but reduces recreation value. To reduce stormwater runoff, cities will often use artifical methods of bioretention to filter out pollutants. While the intention is good, it often involves major construction and alteration of the existing environment. Mature trees provide vital, natural bioretention measures. Avoiding their removal as much as possible can supplement artificial filtration.

Jarrett, Albert. “Rain Gardens (BioRetention Cells) - a Stormwater BMP.” Penn State Extension, 2 Apr. 2021, extension.psu.edu/rain-gardens-bioretention-cells-a-stormwater-bmp.

NATU RAL BIOR ETEN TION

Trees and green space improve mental health, as well as air and water quality.

“Green Space Is Good for Mental Health.” NASA, NASA, earthobservatory. nasa.gov/images/145305/green-space-isgood-for-mental-health.

The recreation space provided by public green space is also important to healthy communities, by acting as a public space for exercise, activism, and social gathering. Extended closures of these parks cost communities these resources.

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A brief introduction to the importance of healthy, longstanding trees to the city of Richmond and it’s residents. Learn more about green space in Richmond at rvagreen2050.com GUS RASICH 2021