5 Scientifically Proven Ways Urban Forests Benefit Our Communities
Author: Stacy Corneau
I grew up in the Ottawa Valley. And like so many others who call this area home, I spent part of my youth exploring the hills of Gatineau Park.
Having access to an urban forest helped me discover the wonders of nature at a young age. I was able to connect with green spaces and feel a sense of calm in an otherwise busy life and city. It also propelled my passion for environmental conservation.
Little did six-year-old me know the impacts urban forests can have on communities.
What are urban forests?
Tree Canada defines urban forestry as “the sustained planning, planting, protection, maintenance, and care of trees, forests, greenspace and related resources in and around cities and communities for economic, environmental, social, and public health benefits for people.”
The Ottawa Valley has several urban forests. One of the most notable is Gatineau Park, stretching over 361 square kilometres and home to 118 rare or endangered species and 50 lakes.
How do urban forests benefit our community?
Urban forests are mood boosters
Research suggests time spent in green spaces can improve our mental wellbeing, including reducing feelings of stress or anxiety. Street trees close to home, such as those lining our sidewalks, have also been linked to reducing rates of depression.
When we feel more positive, our body produces a “happiness hormone” called dopamine. This helps combat the physical effects of stress, such as lowering blood pressure and improving sleep.
More trees mean cleaner air
Air pollution impacts the health of our communities, crops, and climate. Urban forests provide cleaner air through carbon sequestration, reducing air pollutants, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. One large tree can even absorb up to 150 kg of carbon dioxide a year.
Green spaces promote health equality
Urban trees can reduce health inequalities, according to a study comparing income deprivation and green space exposure.
Lower income neighborhoods tend to have less green space and access to nature, which can be a contributing factor to health concerns. The study found populations living in greener areas were less likely to be stricken with circulatory diseases due to the health benefits of urban trees, including things such as cleaner air and less stress.
Urban forests reduce flood risks
The Ottawa Valley has seen its fair share of floods in recent years. Adequate green space and urban forests can absorb excess water, protecting our communities by slowing the rate of sewer and drainage systems overflowing.
Tree roots also support better water penetration into soil, increasing the chances of infiltration by 69-354% under tree canopies.
Trees help beat the heat
Urban forests reduce air temperatures, cooling cities by up to 8 degrees Celsius. Trees can also reduce air conditioning use by 30% when planted near buildings, according to the United Nations.
A study focused on the City of Toronto also found increasing tree canopy cover by merely 10% may reduce heat-related ambulance calls by up to 80%, helping mitigate heat stress in urban areas.
What threatens the prosperity of Ottawa Valley’s urban forests?
The expansion of road networks and building development threatens urban forests. Land is stripped for construction-related purposes, leaving less area for urban forests to thrive and grow.
Maintaining functional ecosystems and healthy biodiversity in green spaces requires a well-connected network of forests. When urban forests are isolated from one another, the lack of connectivity can threaten its long-term survival.
Invasive species and pests also pose a risk to urban forests. For example, 370 ash trees in Hampton Park were removed in 2015 after they were discovered to be infested with the emerald ash borer.
And while it’s fantastic people want to discover their local urban parks, a lack of options can lead to an overuse of the ones we do have, putting a strain on fragile ecosystems.
What are we doing to protect urban forests in the Ottawa Valley?
Did you know Gatineau Park isn’t a “real” park? A park by name only, Gatineau Park lacks permanent legal protection granted to national parks.
Without legislation or parliamentary oversight (the kind given to national parks under the National Parks Act), parts of Gatineau Park continue to be subjected to housing and road development and construction.
CPAWS-OV is calling on Parliament, municipalities bordering the park, and the National Capital Commission to establish better protection and management for Gatineau Park.
What can you do to support thriving urban forests in your community?
By becoming a CPAWS-OV donor, you can support our work in protecting Ottawa Valley’s urban parks and the animals and plants which call them home. Become a donor today.