Plan-it GEO

Here's an interesting finding from new research about city parks: the dense tree clusters that cool you down during a summer day may actually be trapping heat at night. Concordia University

Concordia researchers studied 13 Montreal parks and found that tree arrangement affects cooling in opposite ways depending on the time of day. Concordia University

THE MOST INTERESTING PART? Open grass areas — often hotter than pavement at noon — cooled down fastest after sunset, helping parks release stored heat overnight. Concordia University

This matters because during heat waves, nighttime cooling is critical for human health. Our bodies need those cooler hours to recover.

The research suggests a NEW WAY OF THINKING about urban park design: maybe it's not just about maximizing shade, but about creating the right balance for round-the-clock comfort.

Full study here: https://bit.ly/42MhhT0

How do you think cities should balance daytime shade with nighttime cooling?

🌳 Planting Trees During Drought? Colorado Springs Shows How It's Done 🌳

While 98% of Colorado faces drought conditions, Colorado Springs isn't hitting pause on urban forestry—they're getting strategic about it.

Through their "Grow Shade Together" program, the city is planting 3- to 5-year-old trees throughout Colorado Springs, despite Colorado experiencing one of its driest years on record.

Here's their approach:
-SMART SPECIES SELECTION - Instead of water-hungry cottonwoods, the city now opts for drought-tolerant species like Kentucky Coffee trees, bur oak, hackberries, and catalpa that thrive once established.
- LONG-TERM VISION - City forester Matthew Puckett explains: as trees mature, they help with long-term water conservation by keeping moisture on the ground—without trees, water evaporates quickly off pavement.
-CLEAR PRIORITIES - If water restrictions force residents to choose between lawns or young trees, the city tells them to prioritize the trees for their long-term benefits.

The Takeaway: Climate adaptation requires thinking in decades, not seasons. By selecting drought-tolerant species and educating residents, communities can build resilience even during resource scarcity.

What innovative approaches is your community taking to balance immediate constraints with long-term environmental goals?
Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3R6ggTy

What do Motown and Detroit's urban forest have in common?

More than you'd think! Detroit's legacy isn't just about cars and music—it's about powering through heavy challenges and collaborating to create something that benefits everyone.

And right now, that same spirit is rebuilding one of the most remarkable urban forests in America.

The story involves:
-A devastating loss that destroyed public trust
-An unexpected $10M investment
-High schoolers learning forestry through the arts
-A program called "urban acupuncture"

Detroit lost its tree canopy twice in 50 years. What happened next says everything about the city's resilience.

In an era of shifting environmental priorities, Detroit is proving that real change doesn't come from the top down—it comes from communities working in sync with each other.

Read the full story in Crain's Detroit to see how Detroit is turning environmental setbacks into a blueprint for equitable urban forestry 🌳
https://bit.ly/3PeSAeR

If you think planting more trees automatically makes cities livable… this episode might change your perspective 🌳

The latest Internet of Nature podcast dives into a surprisingly nuanced question: do trees alone really create better urban environments? The conversation challenges some common assumptions and explores what it actually takes to design cities that are resilient, equitable, and truly livable.

Expect:
-Fresh thinking on urban forestry and its real impact
-A deeper look at how cities balance green infrastructure with human needs
-Insights that urban planners, sustainability leaders, and tech innovators will appreciate

It’s a thoughtful, sometimes provocative discussion that goes beyond feel-good sustainability narratives and into what works (and what doesn’t) in the real world.

🎧 Worth a listen if you care about the future of cities, climate resilience, or the role of nature in the built environment.

👉 https://bit.ly/4tcU3QI