What Is Akron’s Urban Tree Canopy, and How Does it Grow?

An Introduction to Plans and Progress

Words by Sophie Franchi

It’s Spring in the Midwest now, so most of the trees lining the streets of Akron are in full bloom. The wind is brisk, and any ray of sunshine is a welcome sight. But remember for a moment what it feels like to walk to your local coffee shop or convenience store in mid-August under the blazing sun, and how welcome the shade of a big tree along the path can feel when the sidewalk is baking.

We all know that 90 percent humidity on a 90-degree day feels awful, but it’s actually dangerous as well. According to the National Weather Service, “the heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.” As the humidity increases, the body’s ability to perspire to cool down decreases, which can lead to heat disorders like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, trees and vegetation provide shade that can lower surface temperatures by 20 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The evapotranspiration process of trees and other vegetation, especially when combined with shading, can help reduce summer temperatures by two to nine degrees Fahrenheit, which can be enough to bring the heat index down into a safer zone for people to be outside.

Reducing the heat index is just one of many benefits that trees provide. Trees also improve air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy use. They reduce erosion and pavement maintenance. They enhance stormwater management and improve water quality. They provide wildlife habitats and reduce noise. They improve public health by reducing asthma rates and decreasing UV-8 exposure. They also increase property values.

Plus, trees look a lot nicer than empty lots and tree lawns surrounded by concrete and asphalt. Imagine fall in the Midwest without a blazing canopy of yellows, oranges, and reds, or spring without the blossoming cherry or budding maple! For many residential areas in Akron where the UTC is lacking, that is the unfortunate reality. Neighborhoods with fewer trees have higher rates of asthma, more air pollution, higher surface temperatures, more stormwater runoff leading to flooding and erosion, lower property values, and higher rates of crime.

The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) in Akron, Ohio became an area of focus for the greater Akron community in November of 2013, when Plan-It Geo was commissioned to perform “An Assessment of Urban Tree Canopy in Akron, Ohio” for the City of Akron, Akron Engineering Bureau, Akron Parks Maintenance Division, and GreenPrint Akron. Funding for the study was provided by the USDA Forest Service through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Project Clean Lake grant. This project presented data on the extent of Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) across the City of Akron, provided analysis of Possible Planting Areas (PPA) and areas unsuitable for planting, detailed the ecosystem services provided by Akron’s UTC, and recommended objectives and goals for support and facilitation of future tree planting and canopy preservation.

Carson Barnes “make Akron – particularly Summit Lake – a better place.”

Carson Barnes

Story by Scott Myers

Last week I met with Michael Starks and a good friend of his, late morning at Angel Falls. We met to talk about the Board for Michael’s organization SLAAP (Start Living and Acting Positive), which I describe as a non-residential re-entry program.

Since it was a very nice day we sat outside.

While we were talking I heard someone playing the saxophone just up the street.  I was so focused on our conversation about what SLAAP does and how its Board could function that I couldn’t pay much attention to the music.

Our conversation ended when Michael’s friend needed to leave for another engagement. As Michael and I sat enjoying the sunshine, the saxophone player also took a break and wandered over to our table.  No surprise, he and Michael are long-time friends.  Michael introduced me to Carson.  When the topic of our earlier conversation came up Carson said he knows and loves what Michael does, and that he would love to play at a fundraiser for SLAAP.

Later when I left, I passed Carson playing on the bench in front of the apartments.  As we talked he told me about all of the community improvement initiatives he has worked on all across town and how many new ideas he has to make Akron – particularly Summit Lake – a better place.  I asked if I could take his picture.  He said, “Sure,” and started to play his horn.  I said no, let’s just keep talking.

Carson Barnes.  Musician.  Community builder.

Elves & More to distribute 1,000 bikes to kids in Akron, Stark and Cuyahoga counties

Story Courtesy of Cleveland.com

This Sunday, families in two area neighborhoods will awaken to the rumbling of 14 semi-trucks as they roll in loaded down with brand-spanking-new bikes.

Kenmore selected as Akron’s third Better Block neighborhood

 

Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood will undergo a two-day transformation Sept. 1 and 2 as it hosts Better Block, a neighborhood engagement effort in which residents will reshape and reactivate their community’s built environment.

Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance will host a kickoff meeting May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre at 1000 Kenmore Boulevard. Residents, business and property owners, and other stakeholders are invited to share their ideas for the business district. More information about the kickoff event is available at www.facebook.com/AkronBetterBlock.

Project RISE Hosts 25th Anniversary Celebration at Summit Art Space

Summit Art Space Akron

 

On August 18th, Project RISE hosted a special 25th Anniversary Celebration Event at the Summit Art Space in Akron. The event was well attended with around 80 people. The event included delicious refreshments from Waterloo Catering Company and a musical performance by Project RISE community partner Tracey Thomas-Shephard. Attendees were community members, collaborators and community partners, Project RISE Staff Members and also families served by Project RISE.

Project RISE (Realizing Individual Strength through Education), under the Office of Student Services, is a collaborative effort by Akron Public Schools, local shelters, and the community. The first demonstration grant was received in 1991. It is a federally funded program, facilitated by Ohio Department of Education, through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: Education for Homeless Children and Youth Programs. The main purpose is to remove barriers to the educational process and success of students who have lost their housing due to hardship.