AASHE Campus Sustainability Hub

Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to promoting sustainability in Boston, Massachusetts by advocating for an increased urban forest to combat climate change and rising summer temperatures. The city government already has an urban forest plan in the works, but it will only be successful with widespread public and residential support. It is imperative that residents dedicate themselves to a committed relationship with their community trees (contractors are only obligated to water newly planted trees for two years - they are left on their own for the rest).

I have produced a video, completed a research report, and interviewed volunteers at tree-planting events to raise residential awareness of the benefits of urban forests and understand local perspectives on the topic. Urban forests are critical in maintaining the health, well-being, and overall success of communities in urban areas, especially with the increasingly hotter summers that climate change is bringing. The video's purpose is to create an educational resource that anyone can understand, while also providing resources on how to take action (for those who want). The end of the video offers local tree organizations that Boston residents can contact, ways to get free trees delivered to their community, and links to read more about the issue. This video is meant to illustrate the racial and socioeconomic disparities that currently exist within Boston's tree canopy, and how we want to fight that and provide environmental equity to all residents in Boston. The research report is additional supplementary material that can provide more stats and background information and evidence on why this is an important topic, and how some communities in Boston are severely disadvantaged by it.

In addition, I have met with regional foresters of the Massachusetts Forestry Division and Speak for the Trees, a nonprofit environmental organization, to gather information and support for this project. I have provided service to both the Boston University community and the community beyond BU by identifying volunteer opportunities for residents to get involved in tree planting, tree care, and ways to get free trees planted on private property.

I grew up in central Massachusetts, privileged to be surrounded by lush forests and green spaces that shaped my childhood. From an early age, my elementary school fostered a deep appreciation for nature through weekly "nature walks" in the forest behind our building. It was during those formative years that I learned the vital role trees play in our communities and their significance for the animals that inhabit them.

One particular event solidified the importance of trees in my young mind. In fourth grade, a devastating forest fire engulfed the area behind my elementary school, leaving half of it charred and barren. The stark contrast between the untouched and burnt sections made me acutely aware of the value and fragility of trees. This love and reverence for nature only grew stronger as I transitioned to the city for my undergraduate studies.

Throughout my four years as a marine science and public health student at Boston University, I immersed myself in environmental and health classes, deepening my understanding of the crucial connection between green spaces and individual well-being. It was during my senior year, while enrolled in "Research for Environmental Organizations" with the esteemed Professor Rick Reibstein, that I was granted the freedom to choose any topic and create an impactful project of my own.

Immediately, I knew that I wanted to focus my efforts on Boston’s urban forest. The city of Boston already faces the challenges posed by heat waves, which are becoming increasingly detrimental to public health. Preparing for hotter summers is essential for the well-being of residents. However, it is important to acknowledge that not all districts in Boston experience heat in the same way. Communities that have historically faced disinvestment and marginalization bear the brunt of severe heat during summers. Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury have been identified as the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods to extreme heat waves. These areas also have the lowest tree canopy coverage in Boston. Unfortunately, there is an unequal distribution of trees across the city's districts. Implementing urban trees represents one of the most effective long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of urban heat waves. They offer cleaner air, cooler temperatures, increased property values, reduced noise pollution, and an overall higher quality of life.

During my research on the benefits of urban trees in combating extreme heat waves, I realized that the urban forest initiative is deeply intertwined with the principles of environmental justice. The way in which the city builds climate resilience is very important. While the city of Boston has already launched an Urban Forest Initiative, its success depends on the support and commitment of the public. My project strives to increase tree canopy coverage in Boston so it equally covers every neighborhood, thereby enhancing air quality, mitigating heat island effects, and fostering a safe and healthy environment for all residents. My video integrates with the city's initiative, fostering public engagement and long-term stewardship of community trees. Drawing upon my passion for public health and environmental science, I set out to empower and educate residents, equipping them with the tools needed to effect change in their communities. It is crucial that all residents embrace and take pride in caring for the newly planted trees in their neighborhoods.

A central part of this project is an informative video that can engage and reach all kinds of audiences. The video utilizes captivating visuals and a compelling narratives to communicate the importance of Boston's Tree Canopy and the need for environmental justice.

1. Empower Residents and Foster Community Engagement: The primary goal of this project is to empower all residents by equipping them with knowledge and resources to actively address the environmental justice issue. By providing individuals with the necessary tools and information, the project seeks to foster a sense of empowerment, enabling residents to make a tangible difference in their communities. Through meaningful engagement and active participation, the project encourages residents to advocate for and implement sustainable solutions, thereby creating a lasting impact on their neighborhoods.

2. Address Environmental Justice Issue: This project aims to tackle the environmental justice issue related to Boston's Tree Canopy. By raising awareness about the disparities in tree coverage across different neighborhoods and highlighting their impact on community health and well-being, the project aims to drive action toward achieving equitable distribution of trees and green spaces in Boston.

3. Increase Knowledge and Awareness: The project strives to ensure that all residents have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of trees and the environmental justice challenges faced by marginalized communities. By disseminating information and educational materials, the project seeks to raise awareness and promote understanding of the significant role that tree canopy plays in community health, air quality, and overall well-being.

By focusing on these goals, the project endeavors to promote environmental equity, community empowerment, and sustainable urban development in Boston.

As part of my research, I interviewed Speak for the Trees, a nonprofit environmental group in Boston. I met with Dave Meshoulam, executive director of the group, and attended their tree planting event in East Boston. I had the privilege to talk to all of the Speak for the Trees members and other volunteers at the event to gain more residential insight into why they cared about the topic.

I also met with Doug Hutcheson, Program Forester of Massachusetts DCR Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP). I had scheduled a couple of meetings with him to learn more about the history of Massachusetts Urban Forest efforts. Mr. Hutcheson put me in contact with two regional DCR foresters (for Fitchburg and Leominster, MA) to tour the tree-planting zones that the GGCP was targeting.

Over the course of three months I worked with Dave West, a graphic designer skilled in Adobe After Effects. His mentorship helped guide me through the production of the video along with the creation of several animation effects. I also collaborated with two students in the College of Communication at Boston University who reviewed the script of the video, narrated it, and provided guidance on filming. I filmed with a Canon DSLR camera and made it available publicly through Boston University’s Regulated Community Compliance Project website (https://www.bu.edu/rccp/).

I conducted preliminary research from September to October 2022. I then started interviews and traveled to meet with stakeholder organizations October to November 2022. I had been filming various nature shots in Boston from September through November 2022, and began editing my video November to December 2022. My written report was done in December 2022.

This project did not need to be financed as I conducted this research as part of a for-credit course. Boston University resources helped the project come to life through recording studio booths, access to Adobe software and filming equipment, and contacts to help with the animation of the video. The research process was primarily carried out individually, utilizing various research methods. Interviews were conducted either through Zoom or in-person during tree planting events and visits to tree planting conservation zones in Massachusetts.

My leadership in this project has inspired others to take action toward creating a more sustainable world, however my work is far from finished. I am eager to collaborate with local high schools and provide the video free of charge, aiming to raise awareness among younger children. I am currently working towards showcasing my video in science classrooms at Match Charter Public High School to further raise awareness among students. I believe that by reaching out to the younger generation, we can instill a sense of environmental responsibility and inspire them to become stewards of our planet. Additionally, my video has already reached the Tree Advisory Group and the Public Tree Working Group in Weston, MA. To expand the reach of my initiative, I will be contacting the Boston Department of Environment and reaching out to Amy Longsworth, the director of the Green Ribbon Commission, to inform them about my project and its objectives. Furthermore, I plan to share the video with various environmental clubs at Boston University to engage and involve more students in the cause.

The rewarding aspect of this project lies in its ability to create significant impact with minimal financial investment. The low-cost nature of the project amplifies its potential for high impact, making it an incredibly fulfilling endeavor. By leveraging available resources, engaging with key stakeholders, and actively pursuing opportunities for dissemination, I am determined to maximize the reach and effectiveness of my video, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

I gained invaluable lessons throughout the creation of my tree video project. I embraced diverse perspectives from environmental enthusiasts, policy experts, and community advocates, and gained a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges at hand. By actively involving local residents, NGOs, and governmental bodies from the outset, I ensured that my initiative was rooted in community needs and experiences. Through my research, I also quickly recognized the interconnectedness of environmental justice issues, understanding that addressing one challenge often meant addressing others simultaneously. I also recognized the integral role of data and research collection in driving the project's success. Developing robust research methodologies, including conducting interviews and gathering reliable information, strengthened the credibility and impact of my work.

Community empowerment emerged as a central pillar of my project. I understood that fostering the capacity of local residents to actively participate and drive change was crucial for sustainable outcomes. This realization highlighted the significance of education in building a resilient and empowered community. It became evident that effective communication and advocacy were essential to make a tangible impact. The power of storytelling and building strong networks became valuable tools in promoting positive change.

During my research on Boston's Urban Forest Plan and interactions with DCR Foresters, I gained insights into the critical role of policy and governance in shaping our communities and achieving environmental justice. This understanding propelled me to advocate for systemic changes and foster an enabling environment for long-term success.

Reflection and continuous learning became fundamental aspects of my journey. Regularly assessing my progress, identifying challenges, and celebrating successes allowed me to refine my strategies and approach. This commitment to continuous improvement reinforced my dedication to the project's long-term impact.

In conclusion, my tree video project has not only provided me with knowledge and skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. By embracing diverse perspectives, involving stakeholders, collecting reliable data, empowering communities, advocating for change, understanding policy implications, and fostering a reflective mindset, I have gained the tools to make a lasting difference. I am committed to utilizing these lessons to create a sustainable and equitable future for our communities and the environment.

• Natalia Karadimitriou | Boston University

• Link: Website to Access Cities Need Trees Video + Report