NE Valley Times

Members of Scottsdale's Environmental Advisory Commission are encouraging residents to participate in a citizen tree inventory. This initiative aims to educate the community about the benefits of trees, plants, and animals by collecting data through an online portal and app.

The goal is to expand Scottsdale's existing tree database. Currently, the city has an inventory of trees on municipal properties. The additional data from this effort will help evaluate the environmental impact and economic value of trees across Scottsdale.

"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 stated. "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."

Participants in the inventory will receive instructions on how to navigate the city's website using their personal cell phones to collect tree data. They will also learn about iNaturalist for logging other biological observations near inventoried trees. Feedback on this experience will be encouraged to improve Scottsdale's urban landscape.

For those interested in learning more or seeking demonstrations, SEAC will have tables at two events during Earth Week: Mayor and City Council Green Expo Breakfast on April 22 at Pima Park, and Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market on April 23.