Wilmington is working on what officials are calling the city’s first Urban Forest Master Plan, and residents can help by filling out an online survey.
An urban forest is a city’s trees, including those growing along streets, in parks and natural areas, around homes, workplaces and businesses. Wilmington’s plan is to serve as a road map to grow and manage the city’s urban forest.
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City officials and natural resource planning consultants Davey Resource Group Inc. are working together on the plan. As part of the initial outreach effort, residents are asked to take a 10-minute survey about Wilmington trees and urban forest.
The survey can be found online. The results are to be used to guide development of the Urban Forest Master Plan.
According to the city, an abundant and healthy urban forest has been proven to help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve our quality of life by the following:
- Reducing summer temperatures by shading and cooling streets, buildings, and the surrounding environment.
- Improving air quality and the public health effects of air pollution.
- Positively impacting our mental and physical health.
- Providing homes, food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Intercepting and absorbing stormwater and improving water quality of local lakes and streams.
- Beautifying the community and creating a sense of place.
- Increasing real estate values.
