Rio Grande Valley Broadband • Entered by Susan Ostlie on June 29, 2021
Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities
June 16, 2021
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | |
| Post Admin hours | 3 |
| Activity Hours | 1 |
| Participants | 1 |
| Total Hours | 4 |
Key Issue: Water-related Conservation
Activity Type: Grant Funded Climate Education & Stewardship Program
Key Partners: NAISMA – North American Invasive Species Management Association
Short Description of Activity
New tree-killing insects and diseases are often spotted first in cities, making tree health monitoring a priority not only for these trees themselves, but for the health of the entire North American forest ecosystem. Seven years ago, The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service, and University of Georgia partnered on the development of a scientifically rigorous, non-stressor specific tree health monitoring protocol called Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities. The protocol is non-stressor specific making it a critical tool for the early detection of new, unknown insects or diseases. Furthermore, the protocol and an associated smart phone application (app) and web-based “dashboard” leverage the expertise of civic scientists and professionals alike, increasing public awareness of tree health issues. Learn about the methodology, new tools and updated training resources, as well as examples of where these tools have been used to improve tree health efforts in cities.
Presented by:
1. Rachel Holmes, The Nature Conservancy
2. Michelle Johnson, U.S. Forest Service
3. Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia
4. Dr. Richard Hallett, USDA Forest Service – NYC Urban Field Station
Reflection/Evaluation
This was an excellent presentation that makes city residents aware of how important trees are for mitigating climate change, excessive heat, and drought in urban areas. I am glad that Albuquerque has two experts on this issue – Sarah Hurteau (TNC) and her husband Dr. Matt Hurteau – UNM – Prof of Biology, Quantitative Ecology. Sarah is now managing urban tree ecology for NM and the city of Albuquerque. NM received two of 10 national grants for $10,000 to address urban ecology issues: the Valle del Oro Open Space area and the Central Rio Grande area. I haven’t had a chance yet to find out the content and purpose of these two grants, but it is on my list.