THE LEAFLET

Is there anything more satisfying than a before and after? In our ever-changing built environment, the year over year progress or changes are often stark. With urban populations surpassing 50% worldwide proper city planning, specifically enhancing green space, should be a priority. As we continue to plan and prep for the Green Cities Summit we’re hosting with Montgomery Parks on Dec 4, we’re thinking critically about what the future folds for the complex relationship between trees and cities. 

But what about how far trees and the built environment have come? Join us for a walk down memory lane of the good, the bad, and the bold in urban design. Let’s dive in (and register now for an even deeper dive at the Green Cities Summit!):

Ten years ago, this block of Maryland Avenue NE paved the way (literally) for a new pedestrian plaza! Located on the eastern end of the bustling and busy H Street corridor, this mall is strategically located at the intersections of five heavily traveled traffic corridors -Benning Rd NE, H Street NE, Bladensburg Rd NE, 17th St NE and Maryland Ave NE. What will the next ten years bring to Hechinger Mall? How can trees, people, and open spaces be considered in its redevelopment? We won’t have all the answers, but we’re willing to work out answers to some at the Green Cities Summit!

We love to see a built environment for the better! While attractive annuals are eye catching (for part of the year anyway), they offer little in terms of stormwater mitigation, climate solutions or pollution reduction. Removing concrete and creating a large, extended rain garden in the midst of downtown D.C.? Now we’re talking! What other seemingly small steps can be taken to make room for trees and natural urban resilience solutions? Hear from folks who have tackled projects just like this in their respective communities and learn from their mistakes and successes at the Green Cities Summit!

What a difference seven years makes. Big buildings mean more people that need and deserve more urban amenities, like trees and parks! When building large, new developments, how do you balance the need for space and housing with the need for leisure and activities, and most importantly – trees? Urban populations, especially in metropolitan Washington, are projected to do one thing – continue to grow. Let’s ensure our canopy does too!

Trees Matter Presents: Green Cities Summit is an opportunity for those on the front lines of urban and community forestry: researchers, practitioners, educators and planners working in cities all around the world to come together, exchange ideas and create partnerships. Join us!

Trees Matter Presents: Green Cities Summit
presented with Montgomery Parks
Kellogg Conference Center | 800 Florida Ave NE | Washington, DC 20002
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 8am to 5pm | $110 Advanced ticket

We hope to see some of you there as you help us spread the word about the importance of trees.