The Role of Trees in Our Environment

By: Jenni Reaves

July 31, 2001

Trees

By: Joyce Kilmer

The Significance of Trees

• An archive of the past

• The circle of life

• Cultural appreciation

What does a tree mean to you?

The Importance of Trees

• wind barriers

• filtration

• biodiversity

• shade

• erosion control

• decreases noise pollution

The Living Landscape

• Rural

• Suburban

• Urban

How do you value trees in rural environments?

Benefits of Trees in the Rural Environment

• Wind protection for crops

• Erosion control

• Creates diverse plant and animal habitats

• Purifies the air absorbing carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide

• Preserving habitat

- Black River Preserve

- Green Swamp Preserve

• N.C. Farmland Preservation Program

- Maryland and Pennsylvania

The Rural Setting

Cont.. Rural Setting

• Creek Restoration

-Programs initiated by various governmental and non-profit organizations

Before After

How do trees function in suburban environments?

Benefits of Trees in Suburban Environments

• Shade canopy

• Building Ecology

• Noise Buffers

• Habitat for suburban wildlife

The Suburban Portrait

• Sustainable development

• New Urbanism

- Vermillion; Charlotte, N.C.

- Davidson, N.C.

What are the components that make an urban tree unique to it’s environment?

Benefits of Trees in Urban Environments

• Tree muffle urban noise.

• A mature leafy tree produces as

much oxygen in a season as 10

people inhale in a year.

• Trees help cleanse the air.

• Trees can be cool!

• Energy savers and windbreakers.

• Planning

-revitalization

-ordinances

• Community involvement

Urban Setting

Environmental Liability Environmental Amenity

Seattle, WA

Environmental Education is the Key

• Investigate programs in your community

- Project Learning Tree

- Project WILD

- Adopt A Tree