Communities Losing 36 Million Trees Each Year
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Scientists with the USDA Forest Service estimate that between 2009 and 2014, tree cover in the nation's urban/community areas declined by 0.7 percent, which translates to losing an estimated 36 million trees or approximately 175,000 acres of tree cover annually.
Pavement and other impervious cover increased at a rate of about 167,000 acres a year during the same period, according to research by USDA Forest Service scientists.
Nationally, urban/community tree cover declined from 42.9 percent to 42.2 percent.
Urban foresters, planners and decision-makers need to understand trends in urban forests so they can develop and maintain sufficient levels of tree cover -- and the accompanying forest benefits -- for current and future generations of citizens.
Learn more about the Forest Service's findings
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Trees Can Make or Break City Weather
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Even a single urban tree can help moderate wind speeds and keep pedestrians comfortable as they walk down the street, according to
a study
that also found losing a single tree can increase wind pressure on nearby buildings and drive up heating costs.
Information from such models can improve weather forecasts in order to predict the effects of a storm on a building and pedestrian level, and it could also help city planners in designing buildings, streets, and city blocks to maximize people's comfort and limit wind speed to reduce energy loss.
Learn more
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Experience Beauty in the Bluegrass: Register for the AIB Symposium & Awards Celebration
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Registration is open for the 2018 America in Bloom
Symposium & Awards Celebration,
September 27-29 in Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is an award-winning community that combines big city chic with southern hospitality.
An exceptional
line-up
of of educational sessions, presenters, tours, and time to network and share successes and best practices has been planned, with awards presented throughout the symposium to celebrate and recognize the transformative work being done in
AIB communities across the country
.
Plan to come a few days early or stay late to take advantage of many highlights Lexington has to share, including the iconic
Kentucky Horse Park
. Be sure to check out
VisitLex.com
for tips on where to visit and eat, and to learn about fun activities for all ages.
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EarthPlanter - An AIB Sponsor Spotlight
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Planters add incredible beauty and life to any landscape project. Since they can last a long time, getting it right the first time is essential. That’s why at EarthPlanter you’ll always deal directly with company ownership who will guide you through every detail.
From initial budget projections to selecting the right model, color, soil and plants to make your downtown, campus, retail mall, office park or other facility look its best. It’s a commitment to our customers that ensures ordering, delivery and installation exceed your expectations.
America in Bloom thanks
EarthPlanter
for their support of the organization and communities.
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Nominations Open for 2018 Community Champion Award
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Nominations are now being accepted for the America in Bloom
John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award.
This honor is to recognize an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of America in Bloom.
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Enter the YouTube Video Award Contest - Win $1,500
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Record your community's involvement with America in Bloom. Any
past or present AIB participant
is eligible for the $1,500 cash award for the Best YouTube video. The deadline for entries is August 26.
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Become a Friend of America in Bloom
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America in Bloom is expanding our successful model of community improvement and civic beautification in new and bold ways. We have rolled out a new evaluation report that provides even more meaningful and relevant consultative feedback to communities. And we are preparing to launch an exciting initiative designed to help communities analyze and benchmark their efforts in key areas. Each of these efforts will help communities become more beautiful, self-sustaining, and livable. Now, more than ever, we are depending on you to
make a financial commitment
to AIB's future.
Additionally, we need to design and rebuild our website to provide more tools and resources to strengthen communities and to showcase the best ideas from AIB towns and cities across the country.
Your gift will help us reach more communities regarding the benefits of colorful trees and plants, enjoying cleaning environments, celebrating heritage, and planting pride through volunteerism. Your contribution will help beautify and empower communities all across our country.
On their behalf, we thank you for your commitment to become a Friend of America in Bloom.
Please donate today
.
Thank you to those who have donated to support the just-launched AIB Friends campaign:
Jack Clasen
Leslie Croyle
Mike DeRee
Walter Heath
Laura Kunkle
Edith Makra
John Manchester
Ruth Miller
Kristin Pategas
Susie Stratton
Katy Moss Warner
Meg Whitmer
Teresa Woodard
Laura Wulff Garcin
Frank Zaunscherb
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