Lesson Seven: The Northeast Ohio Tree Canopy and Environmental Justice
In the 1800s and early 1900s, Cleveland was nicknamed “The Forest City” because of the success of the city’s plan to preserve, protect, and grow its urban forest. City officials organized large tree plantings, passed ordinances requiring shade trees along village streets, and started a city forestry department. As a result, the city’s tree canopy thrived. A 1940 tree count revealed that there were 220,000 trees lining Cleveland’s streets and an additional 100,000 in city parks. Today, Cleveland’s street tree count stands at 120,000, a 50 percent decrease over seven decades. Cleveland is not alone, other large urban centers like Chicago and Indianapolis also have declining canopy levels. City dwellers, desperate to get outdoors are fueling the growth of a new industry around the practice of “forest bathing.” For a fee, forest bathing instructors take groups into the woods to reconnect people with nature.
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Without a change, the future of Cleveland's tree canopy is in danger (see graph). This lesson will challenge you to think about the benefits of the tree canopy in communities by reading The Giving Tree and analyzing “The Cleveland Tree Plan.” Then, students will examine the correlations between household income and tree canopy by utilizing iTree and census data. Finally, students will be given the opportunity to take action by functioning at a personally responsible, participatory, or justice oriented level of citizenship. Possibilities include donating to a local non-profit working to restore Northeast Ohio's tree canopy, calculating your own carbon footprint and taking action to reduce your emissions, volunteering with local organizations that fight environmental injustice, or raising awareness and advocating for the environment at Perry's annual Community Green Day event.
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Part One: Why are trees important?
After viewing The Giving Tree, be prepared to:
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View the presentation on "The Cleveland Tree Plan" and capture main ideas in your notebook.
Part Two: Lake County Tree Canopy Comparison
Numerous studies have found positive correlations between household income and tree canopy. Although money does not grow on trees, some argue that trees grow on money because high-income communities are more likely to have high tree canopy cover. Consequently, low-income communities are less likely to reap the benefits that a healthy tree canopy provides. Put this hypothesis to the test by comparing data from the U.S. Census to tree canopy percentages from iTree for eleven cities in Lake County.
Step-by-step directions:
1. Use this Google sheet to record your data and share it with [email protected] when your group members is done.
2. Go to the United States Census Bureau. In the search box type in the name of the city and state. Use the information provided to complete columns B, C, and D.
3. Go to iTree. Type the name of the city and state in the search box. For each city complete the following tasks:
Step-by-step directions:
1. Use this Google sheet to record your data and share it with [email protected] when your group members is done.
2. Go to the United States Census Bureau. In the search box type in the name of the city and state. Use the information provided to complete columns B, C, and D.
3. Go to iTree. Type the name of the city and state in the search box. For each city complete the following tasks:
- Under "Boundary Layers" select "U.S. Census Places."
- Zoom in or zoom out on the map as needed.
- Under "Choose a boundary for the tools" select "U.S. Census Places."
- Under "Use these tools to work with the map" click on the "Select" button and click on the city you searched for.
- Under "Use these tools to work with the map" click on the green "Process" button.
- Record the answers for columns E and F and then click "Next."
- Record the answers for columns G and H and then click the "Hydrology" tab.
- Record the answer for column I.
- Repeat this process for the next city.
- Are high income communities in Lake County more likely to have more tree canopy cover? Explain.
- What are the implications of your findings for the people of Lake County?
Part Three: Civic Engagement
In their book titled The Service Learning Companion, Dawn Duncan and Joan Kopperud assert that "At different stages of your life and with regard to various issues, you may practice different levels of engaged citizenship. You may act as a personally responsible citizen, a participatory citizen, or a transforming citizen." Throughout this unit you will be provided with multiple opportunities to practice engaged citizenship at each of three levels. Refer to the chart (adapted from Westheimer and Kahne) below and begin to think about which action(s) you will take in response to the issues of poverty and homelessness.
Personally Responsible Citizen
Citizenship involves being a good, responsible, law-abiding member of the community. Sample actions:
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Participatory Citizen
Citizenship involves active participation and leadership in the community to help improve the quality of life for all. Sample actions:
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Justice Oriented Citizen
Citizenship involves a responsibility to question and change the system when it is unjust or ineffective. Sample actions:
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Rubric
environmental_justic_rubric.docx |