In Metropolitan-Council/planting.shade: Tree planting and preservation prioritization tool

Stories

Planting shade looks differently across the region. Here are some stories and ideas to better contextualize this work and to inspire imagination at what the future could look like.

Region-wide

• Logging: Over the last 200 years, our region has experienced profound land cover changes. Commercial logging in Minnesota began in 1839 with the founding of a sawmill in Marine on St. Croix. This created a legacy of reduced tree cover which still persists today. Learn more about our region's widespread deforestation by visiting the Minnesota Historical Society website or watching a video about logging in Stillwater.
• Invasive species: Spread of invasive species like the Emerald Ash borer (invasive insect) or Dutch elm disease (invasive pathogen) threaten trees and the benefits they provide. Costing millions of dollars to manage with results that often fail to save trees, such invasive species have left the region with new canopy gaps. Read a story about towns currently managing the Emerald Ash Borer and look at a report of how Dutch elm devastated trees in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Extreme weather: Extreme weather events like tornadoes and straight line winds are natural occurrences in our region, although climate change can intensify their severity. Trees are susceptible to damage by these storms, and re-vegetation after weather events has been a challenge faced in North Minneapolis as well as other communities in our region.

Residential land

• Windbreaks: esp. in ag areas, reduce crop stress, odors, https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/windbreaks#for-farmsteads%2C-crops-and-livestock-1739660
• Provide food or timber: Several inspiring projects to provide tree-based food or timber are making the Twin Cities region healthier and more sustainable. Read about greening local artist Seitu Jones' efforts to are home to some of the most
• Reduce energy costs:

Non-residential land

• Windbreaks: esp. in ag areas, reduce crop stress, odors, https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/windbreaks#for-farmsteads%2C-crops-and-livestock-1739660
• Provide food or timber:
• Reduce energy costs:

Non-residential land

Public land

Similarly, there are multiple things to consider in making a useful tool:

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Metropolitan-Council/planting.shade documentation built on Feb. 25, 2024, 3:15 a.m.