Reforesting Jefferson County Public Schools: Creating Synergy for City-Wide Impact

Editor's Notes

1. In 2012, Mayor Fischer issued an Executive Order to establish a Tree Advisory Committee to make recommendations for tree canopy improvement One of those recommendations - an urban tree canopy assessment 2015 - released with alarming findings EAB - 10-17% of canopy Accelerated decline
2. Large private property sites - including industrial facilities,
3. Tree planting at schools is an opportunity not just to increase overall canopy - the impact is multiplied: Different curricula - science, art, poetry...
4. An example of the severity of some of the sites we plant Uninviting outdoor areas, heat islands, etc. What can help? Trees Complicated scenarios with decades of complex history - we can't change it overnight, but we can invest in the future of these communities
5. Mature trees, plenty of opportunity for succession in canopy Sandwiched between industrial facilities
6. Opportunistic: These sites may not always be in our highest-priority areas, but the enthusiasm of site stakeholders is a positive project indicator.
7. Trees, labor and supplies provided in exchange for site assuming responsibility of watering
8. With limited capacity, support from partners is vital to the success of our projects
9. Our project collaborators help us to achieve transformative projects like this one at Medora Elementary, where we have planted nearly 200 trees over the past 7 years (note - since the time this picture was taken, these trees have nearly doubled in size!)
10. These projects, like any, are not without their challenges Because the properties are maintained by JCPS grounds crews, we are unable to oversee maintenance practices like mowing and mulching on a regular basis As they say, PEOPLE are one of the biggest threats to tree health (as evidenced in these photos) Mower and string trimmer damage are unfortunately too common, but we have found ways to prevent some of this
11. We have hosted Grounds Crew training sessions to bring greater awareness of the value of the trees (both the financial investment and the ecosystem services) and teach tree best management practices Low-cost preventative measures like DIY trunk guards have measurable reduced our losses/damage
12. Introduce you to some of our project collaborators First, our school tree champions – teachers, admin staff, parents who help initiate and/or provide maintenance and oversight
13. Introduce you to some of our project collaborators First, our school tree champions – teachers, admin staff, parents who help initiate and/or provide maintenance and oversight
14. Over the years have developed a strong connection with the University of Kentucky’s Landscape Architecture department Each fall, TL selects a handful of sites Students perform site visits, develop landscape plans that TL will later implement – they get to see their project come full circle Poster session to meet local LAs, project stakeholders, etc.
15. Perhaps most importantly, our volunteers Developing a trained group of volunteers, our Canopy Corps These individuals, along with corporate groups and other seasonal volunteers, are the key to ensuring the success of our projects
16. Perhaps most importantly, our volunteers Developing a trained group of volunteers, our Canopy Corps These individuals, along with corporate groups and other seasonal volunteers, are the key to ensuring the success of our projects
17. Volunteer help can be provided at an individual or group level
18. If you are interested in implementing a similar program/collaborative approach, whether with schools or other entities... Example: Top down (principal) or bottom up (PTA, teacher) approach
19. These projects go beyond getting trees in the ground Education, public engagement and awareness