Members of Scottsdale’s Environmental Advisory Commission want residents to learn about the benefits of trees, plants and animals by collecting data right outside their homes via an online portal and app.
The public ask is part of an effort to expand Scottsdale’s tree database. While Scottsdale has an inventory of trees on city properties, this additional data would lead to better evaluation of the environmental impact and economic value of trees throughout the city.
“Understanding the types of trees located in Scottsdale, along with an indication of their size and condition can help the city quantitate the benefit of our trees in mitigating heat, removing carbon and pollution from our air and reducing energy costs,” SEAC Chair Natalie Chrisman Lazarr said. “The goal is to introduce Scottsdale citizens to the concept of a managed urban forest, initiate a dialogue about the importance of trees in our city, and promote enthusiasm for sustainability in general.”
To take part in the inventory, participants will:
1.Receive brief instructions regarding the inventory process
2.Learn how to navigate the city’s website on a personal cell phone to collect tree inventory data
3.Learn about iNaturalist and how to log other biological observations (plant, insect, bird, or mammal) in the vicinity of the inventoried tree
4.Provide feedback on the tree inventorying experience and make suggestions on how to improve our urban landscape
5.Connect with others in our community to help spread awareness about the project and tree benefits
Get started.
Interested in getting a demonstration or have questions? SEAC will have a table at two events during Earth Week:
- Mayor and City Council Green Expo Breakfast
8 – 10 a.m. Friday, April 22
Pima Park, 8600 E. Thomas Road
- Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23
3806 N. Brown Avenue
Original source can be found here.
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