An urban heat island occurs when a city experiences much warmer temperatures than nearby rural areas. The difference in temperature between urban and rural areas is due to how well the surfaces in each environment absorb and hold heat. Increasing tree canopy significantly reduces heat in our neighborhoods. Shaded surfaces, for example, may be 20–45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials.
The intersection of poor tree canopy along with other disparities such as income, health outcomes, crime, traffic, and pollution are significant.
American Forests created a tool that maps many social, financial, health and environmental metrics together with tree canopy - the Petaluma neighborhoods trending less green in the map indicate poor tree equity.
Petalumans will receive more rapid overall benefit from focusing increased tree canopy at these locations. ReLeaf uses tree equity as a lens to help set priorities for projects.
ReLeaf Heat Island Reduction
ReLeaf is prioritizing sites in Petaluma having poor canopy coverage in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Volunteer with us.
Sign up with ReLeaf Petaluma to get involved if you are not yet connected with us. We look forward to working with you!
Plant trees at home.
Get ready to plant some trees! Check out these key resources to help you select your new trees, plant your trees and care for your new trees to help them get a great start in their new life in your neighborhood.
Donate
ReLeaf Petaluma is on a mission to get 10,000 trees planted in our town and restore Petaluma’s Tree Canopy. Every $100 we receive, will plant one tree! Your contribution of any amount will help. Donate here.