Last February when NeighborWorks® Rochester’s Interim Executive Director, Luis Burgos and Eric Van Dusen, Director of Community Initiatives trudged through the snowbanks in the Triangle neighborhood on what was probably the worst day of our Rochester winter, they came to a realization. Luis who was once the Director of Recreation and Special Services for the City of Rochester, saw the Triangle in a way most of us do not. Luis pointed out the alarming number of missing city street trees in the neighborhood.

Why do trees matter? Street trees have a number of social, health and environmental benefits. They create a walkable environment which in turn creates a safer one too! A street lined with trees makes it appear narrower which causes drivers to reduce speeds. According to Luis, one mature tree supplies enough oxygen for two people a year. Trees also absorb pollution – they can absorb 48 pounds of Co2 per year!

Here’s an example of how street trees can enhance the curb appeal of a home:

This information stirred the Healthy Blocks planning committee into action and NeighborWorks® Rochester scheduled a meeting with the City Forester about filling in the missing trees. The entire Triangle was invited to this meeting, where the City Forester provided an extensive background on how the City of Rochester removes and plants trees. The exciting news is that we can have 20 to 30 trees planted in the Triangle this fall!

The City forester has recently shared a GIS map of the neighborhood detailing where the existing and missing trees are in the neighborhood. The neighborhood group will meet again to discuss where the new trees will have the most impact.

Stay tuned, and take a walk in the Triangle this fall. We hope you’ll be able to enjoy the results of this effort!