Postcard Party at Earthfolk: Protect our Tree Canopy

Postcard Parties

May 31

Written By SLM

What we’ll do:

Together we’ll take thin pieces of cardboard (the kind cereal boxes are made out of), cut them into 4x6 postcards, write about the importance of our Richmond tree canopy, and send them to our representatives. Scroll past the talking points to find the mailing addresses and information for Richmond’s council people, the mayor, the urban forestry commission, and code refresh. Take pictures of your cards and post on social media to raise awareness!!

You will need to add your address so the council can verify you are a Richmond constituent.

Talking Points:

General:

We ask for better tree canopy protections and to stop cutting down historic woods and instead prioritize building on already impermeable surfaces like abandoned buildings and parking lots in commercial corridors.
We demand community input before the destruction of our tree canopy.
Investing in out tree canopy is investing in equity.
Happy trees = happy people! Studies show increased greenery increases social cohesion and reduces crime.

Benefits of urban tree canopy:

Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies

The shade from trees not only creates a more comfortable environment in the warmer months, it also reduces home cooling costs.
Studies show that having mature trees in a suburban environment can reduce the temperature by 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trees improve air quality by filtering and removing pollutants with their leaves, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
Trees reduce stormwater runoff and flooding and improve runoff water quality by filtering the water.
Well placed trees can reduce urban noise by 3 to 10 decibels.
“Urban trees and vegetation have been linked to reduced crime, increased property values, and other psychological, and social benefits that help decrease stress and aggressive behavior.”

‍ ‍Multiple health benefits of urban tree canopy: The mounting evidence for a green prescription

Being exposed to green spaces and nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and invoke a sense of calm.
More tree cover has been associated with better physical and mental health, lower obesity rates, less cases of asthma, and improved social cohesion.
Current inequality and future potential of US urban tree cover for reducing heat-related health impact.

Current inequality and future potential of US urban tree cover for reducing heat-related health impacts

Trees result in significantly fewer deaths and heat related doctor visits in urban environments. This is becoming more important as global temperatures rise.
The savings from improved public health, increased property values, and energy savings equal or exceed the cost of maintaining the trees.
Tree canopy is especially important in lower income areas where there is less access to air conditioning.

RVA Orgs Advocating for our Urban Tree Canopy

RVAgreen 2050 - from their website: “RVAgreen 2050: Climate Equity Action Plan 2030 is an equity-centered, community based, integrated climate action and climate resilience plan. It is a roadmap that lays out how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and help the community adapt to Richmond’s climate impacts of extreme heat, precipitation, and flooding. “

Cool the City - Part of RVAgreen 2050. From their website: “While over 40% of Richmond is covered by tree canopy, access to green space and the benefits of adequate tree canopy are unevenly distributed. Through public engagement, workforce development, urban forestry planning, organizational capacity building, and greening project implementation, Cool the City invests in communities across Richmond.”

Southside Releaf - from their website: “Southside ReLeaf is dedicated to making Southside Richmond a greener, healthier, and more connected community by addressing environmental injustices and advocating for equitable green spaces. We aim to create public landscapes and improve private properties that collectively enhance community well-being, environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity.”