In 2010, the University of Minnesota Spatial Analysis Laboratory performed a land cover classification for the City of Saint Paul defining tree canopy, impervious surface, buildings, water, grass and bare soil. St. Paul Forestry hopes to use this information to maintain and increase tree canopy cover across the city, as trees are our largest source of green infrastructure and enhance the landscape by providing shade to homes, roads and parking lots, provide color, beauty and character to the community. Trees also provide benefits behind the scene, such as the interception and storage of rainwater and carbon, the reduction of noise pollution and have proven to reduce crime and stress.
Visit the City's website for documents from the study. Scrolling down to the bottom of the page will bring you to a link of a study of St. Anthony Park's tree cover in particular.
John Shepard, professor and producer, very recently completed a three-month documentary exploration of the Gulf Coast via cabin cruiser, kayak, bicycle, and minivan as a sabbatical from Hamline University's Center for Global Environmental Education. He will be sharing a multimedia presentation of his trip for this month's Green on the Screen at the SAP United Methodist Church, 2200 Hillside Ave, St. Paul.
